Joe Root scores his first Ashes century in Australia, ending a 15-Test drought and saving Matthew Hayden from a walking naked dare. (Image Credit: X/ @ICC, @Rajiv1841)
Australia vs England 2nd Ashes Test: Joe Root finally ended a long wait for a century in an Ashes Test in Australia, breaking a 15-Test century drought dating back to 2013. The No. 1-ranked Test batter reached triple figures on Thursday during the first night session of the second Ashes Test at The Gabba, Brisbane. On his fourth Ashes tour Down Under, Root had previously registered a highest Test score of 89 in Australia, having scored 0 and 8 in the series-opening loss in Perth.
Root's century wasn't just a personal triumph; it also saved former Australian star Matthew Hayden from an unusual wager. Back in September, Hayden jokingly promised on the All Over Bar the Cricket podcast that he'd walk nude around the MCG if Root failed to score a century in Australia during the series.
After Root reached the milestone, Hayden -and his daughter Grace -breathed a sigh of relief. "Please @root66 make a hundred," Grace had tweeted. Root's innings ensured Hayden kept his promise to himself… and his wardrobe intact.
Root's innings was a masterclass of patience and skill as he moved steadily to 88 not out at drinks in the night session. He reached the 90s with a boundary off Brendan Doggett and completed his century with a leg-side boundary against Scott Boland. He kissed the badge on his helmet and raised his bat, marking his first Ashes century in Australia; it also became his 40th Test century in his 160th match, cementing his position as one of cricket's modern greats and England's second-highest run-scorer.
Batting first after winning the toss, England posted a first-innings total of 325-9 in 74 overs in the second Ashes Test. Zak Crawley was top scorer with 76, while Harry Brook made 31. Joe Root then anchored the innings with a commanding 135 off 202 balls, putting together crucial partnerships and holding the middle order together.
Regular wickets fell, but England still reached a total that could be deemed competitive. Mitchell Starc was the pick of the Australian bowlers, finishing with six wickets, aided by Michael Neser and Scott Boland.
