England batter Joe Root said his experience of 158 Tests makes him better equipped than ever to end a victory drought in Australia, as he ramps up preparations for the upcoming Ashes series.<\/p>\n
Former England skipper Root, who moved to second on the all-time Test run-scorer charts during the team’s five-match series against India, which was drawn 2-2 earlier this month, has accumulated 13,543 runs in Tests, trailing only India great Sachin Tendulkar (15,921).<\/p>\n
Despite his prolific record, the 34-year-old Root has yet to win a Test or score a Test century in Australia, where he averages 35.68 from 27 innings with nine half-centuries.<\/p>\n
England’s Joe Root<\/p>\n
Top Test scores in Australia<\/p>\n
89 – The Gabba, 202187 – Adelaide Oval, 201383 – SCG, 201867 – Adelaide Oval, 201862 – Adelaide Oval, 2021<\/p>\n
Source: Cricinfo<\/p>\n
“Having played in Australia a couple of times before, now going with 150-odd Test caps under my belt, I feel I couldn’t be more ready for it,” Root told British media on Thursday.<\/p>\n
“The thing that stands out for me is I probably wanted it (a century) way too much the last couple of times. It took me away from what was important.”<\/p>\n
Australia won both the 2017-18 series and following home series in 2021-22 4-0 before drawing 2-2 in England in 2023 to retain the urn.<\/p>\n
England last triumphed in Australia in 2010-11, which is also the last time the tourists won a Test Down Under.<\/p>\n