Joe Root has declared he’s ready to get the century monkey off his back in Australia this summer<\/p>\n
Joe Root has failed to score a century in 27 Test innings in Australia but the Englishman believes he is ready to end that streak when the Ashes begin in Perth next month.<\/p>\n
The former England captain has chalked up nine Test half-centuries in Australia, with a highest score of 89 in a nine-wicket loss in Brisbane in December 2021.<\/p>\n
Root, who was replaced as captain by Ben Stokes following that series, has since scored more than 4,000 runs and 16 centuries in the long format.<\/p>\n
Root’s series of uncomfortable Ashes deliveries<\/p>\n
“I feel I am in a different place to when I last went out there. I haven’t got the responsibility of captaincy and I am a lot more experienced,” the 34-year-old told Sky Sports.<\/p>\n
“I have had a good couple of years coming in and I have learned good lessons from my previous tours there as a batter and senior player.”<\/p>\n
Root accepts there will be “a lot of talk” around him not having made a hundred in Australia.<\/p>\n
“But I feel ready for it,” Root said. “Big series are the ones you want to play in and contribute in.”<\/p>\n
England last won the Ashes in 2015 and have not won a series in Australia since 2011 but Root was optimistic about their chances this time around.<\/p>\n
“I feel that is the opportunity in front of us that we have to chase and grab,” he added.<\/p>\n
“If I am doing my role in the team then personal accolades will come, but it’s not the main focus. It’s about winning that urn back as it has been a long time since we held it.<\/p>\n
“I feel we have some serious resources to take out there and hit Australia with. Hopefully we can get that right so if I am scoring heavily it gives us a chance.”<\/p>\n
The first Test starts on November 21 in Perth.<\/p>\n
2025-26 NRMA Insurance Men’s Ashes<\/p>\n
First Test: November 21-25, Perth Stadium, 1.30pm AEDT<\/a><\/p>\n Second Test: December 4-8, The Gabba, Brisbane (D\/N), 3.30pm AEDT<\/a><\/p>\n Third Test: December 17-21: Adelaide Oval, 11am AEDT<\/a><\/p>\n Fourth Test: December 26-30: MCG, Melbourne, 10.30am AEDT<\/a><\/p>\n