Joe Root smashed his 40th Test century in the Pink-Ball Ashes Test at Brisbane, delivering a masterclass as he conquered Australian conditions once again. (Image Credit: X/ @mufaddal_vohra)
Australia vs England 2nd Ashes Test: In a prized moment for English cricket, Joe Root reached the milestone 40th Test century in the ongoing 2nd Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series at The Gabba, Brisbane. His composed, resolute knock helped steady England's innings when the top order was under pressure, underlining once again why Root remains one of the most dependable middle-order batters in Test history.
England's innings had one of those shaky starts, with early wickets leaving the visitors exposed. But as soon as Root walked in, much of the onus was on him to rebuild. Displaying all the now-familiar elegance and patience, he negotiated the Australian attack with calm precision. The knock by Root not only steadied the innings but also shifted momentum back towards England at a crucial juncture.
With that century, Root didn’t just add valuable runs; he added a historical landmark. The passing of the 40-hundred mark in Tests puts him in rarefied company among cricket’s all-time great batters.
| Player | Test Hundreds |
|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 51 |
| Jacques Kallis | 45 |
| Ricky Ponting | 41 |
| Joe Root | 40 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 38 |
Joe Root's 40th Test hundred is a mark of longevity and class, and its significance deepens because this is his first Test century in Australia. After so many near misses on previous Ashes tours, Root finally found the key at The Gabba. In the high-pressure environment, he offered calm, control and composure to prove that, even in 2025, he remains England's most reliable Test batter.
The century by Root stabilises England, after early wickets, and gives them a competitive foothold in the Test. The fact that he scored his maiden Test hundred on Australian soil carries some psychological heft, boosting England's confidence as it puts Australia on the back foot. For the hosts, it’s a reminder that Root is still a major threat, and they will need sharper plans to stop him from shaping the match.
