BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA—They say every great needs a final frontier, and for England’s talisman, Joe Root, that frontier was Australia. On Thursday, December 4, 2025, in the pulsating day-night Ashes Test at the Gabba, the wait finally ended. In a performance that will be talked about for decades, Joe Root’s Maiden Century in Australia arrived, a monumental 135* that not only secured a crucial foothold for England but also wiped the final asterisk from his otherwise perfect curriculum vitae.
Coming in at a disastrous 5-2 after a fiery opening spell by Mitchell Starc, Root was facing immense pressure, fresh off a pair of failures in the first Test. Yet, he stood firm, batting through the treacherous swing of the pink ball under lights and patiently rebuilding the innings with Zak Crawley (76). His century, the 40th of his stellar Test career, was a masterpiece of grit and determination. He turned a potential capitulation into a competitive 325-9 at stumps, proving once and for all that he belongs at the very summit of the game.
Why Joe root’s Maiden Century in Australia is a Legacy-Defining Moment
For the legions of England supporters, this knock felt like a heavy weight being lifted. For years, the narrative has persisted: How can he be an all-time great without a century in Australia? After 15 previous attempts across four tours, Root has silenced every single critic.
This isn’t just about the number 100; it’s about the timing and the conditions. It was a pink-ball Test at the notorious Gabba, and England needed him to deliver after being blown away in the series opener. This innings was a bold declaration—a signal that England are here to fight back. It gives the team belief, and it gives Root the personal satisfaction of completing the international grand slam, scoring a Test century in every major Test-playing nation. Former England captain Alastair Cook said it best: “Even Australians have to admit he is a great now.” That is the respect this innings has earned.
The Match Story: Starc’s Brilliance & Squad Surprises
While the day belonged to Root, the action was far from one-sided. Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc was in devastating form, claiming a remarkable 6-71. In the process, Starc passed the great Wasim Akram to become the most successful left-arm fast bowler in Test history—a testament to the high quality of the bowling Root faced.
Australia also made a surprise selection call, opting to replace frontline spinner Nathan Lyon with the seamer Michael Neser, marking the first time in nearly 14 years they played a home Test without a specialist spinner. They were also missing their regular captain Pat Cummins. Despite these changes, Starc’s effort kept Australia in the game, but Root’s masterful, unbeaten 135* alongside a gutsy final-wicket stand with Jofra Archer (32*) ensured England held a narrow psychological advantage going into Day Two.
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