Joe Root not only reached his first Test hundred in Australia but produced what Michael Atherton called “the innings of his life” on day one of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba.
England, still smarting from a two-day defeat in Perth, were in dire straits at 5-2 when Root walked to the crease. The all-time leading England run-scorer steadied the innings, finishing the day 135 not out — his 40th Test century — as the tourists closed on 325-9.
Atherton, on Sky Sports’ Ashes Daily podcast, described the moment Root reached triple figures after a 13-year, 16-Test wait in Australia as “a fantastic moment of theatre.” He said the whole ground, Australians and English alike, stood to applaud and that Root’s understated reaction seemed almost like an apology for taking so long to get the landmark.
“What matters to him more than anything is scoring crucial runs at a critical time,” Atherton added. Root came in with the score at 5-2 and had to absorb the shock of quick wickets — Mitchell Starc had removed Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope for ducks — before building an innings that Atherton judged essential given the stakes. “England’s greatest run-getter played the innings of his life — because everything is on the line here.”
Nasser Hussain, also on the podcast, echoed the significance of the knock: Root had 39 Test hundreds before this one, “and none of those I was worried about, but I was worried about this one, simply because of its significance, because of the hype, because of the chat.”
Root shared key partnerships that swung momentum. A 117-run stand with Zak Crawley (76) helped set a platform, followed by 54 with Harry Brook and an unbroken 61 for the last wicket with No.11 Jofra Archer (32*). Crawley praised Root at stumps as “calm” and “so clear” in how he approached the conditions, calling it “one of his best.”
Even opponents and critics paid tribute. Starc, who finished with 6-71 on the day to take his series tally to 16 wickets, said Root would be relieved to reach a hundred and praised how he assessed conditions and handled pressure. Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden, who had joked he would run a nude lap of the MCG if Root’s drought extended beyond the series, posted a congratulatory message — “You little ripper — have a beauty and bloody enjoy it.”
Before the match, both Ben Stokes and Root had been targeted by the Australian press — Stokes labelled “England’s cocky captain complainer” and Root dubbed “Average Joe” in the West Australian. Root’s knock should quiet such headlines, at least for now.
Stokes had called this game his most important as England captain, and Atherton underlined how much the side needed Root’s innings. The knock arrived amid memories of the Perth collapse but gave England a much-needed platform late on day one.
Ashes series in Australia 2025-26 (times UK and Ireland)
– First Test (Perth): Australia beat England by eight wickets
– Second Test (day/night): Dec 4–8 — The Gabba, Brisbane
– Third Test: Dec 17–21 — Adelaide Oval
– Fourth Test: Dec 25–29 — Melbourne Cricket Ground
– Fifth Test: Jan 4–8 — Sydney Cricket Ground