England’s modern-day great Joe Root once again stamped his authority on world cricket with a masterclass innings in the fifth and final Test of the Ashes 2025–26 against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). On Monday, Day Two of the match, Root struck the 41st Test century of his illustrious career, further cementing his place among the greatest batters the game has ever seen.
The Sydney Test, which marks the conclusion of a fiercely contested Ashes series, witnessed Joe Root at his elegant best. The former England captain compiled a superb 160 runs off 242 deliveries, blending patience, technique, and controlled aggression against a quality Australian bowling attack. His innings not only anchored England’s first innings but also carried significant historical weight.
Joe Root Equals Ricky Ponting’s Record
With this century, Joe Root has now scored 41 hundreds in Test cricket, drawing level with Australian legend and former captain Ricky Ponting. Root achieved this remarkable milestone in his 163rd Test match, five fewer than Ponting, who reached the same tally in 168 Tests. Only two batters now sit above Root in the all-time list: Sachin Tendulkar, who leads with 51 Test centuries, and Jacques Kallis, who finished his career with 45 hundreds.
This achievement places Joe Root firmly in the top three run-makers by centuries in the history of Test cricket, a format widely regarded as the ultimate examination of a batter’s skill, temperament, and longevity.
Century Built Over Two Days at the SCG
Play on the opening day of the Sydney Test was heavily disrupted by rain and poor light, allowing just 45 overs to be bowled. England, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, reached 211 for 3 by stumps. Joe Root returned unbeaten on 72, alongside Harry Brook, who was also not out on 78. The pair had already put together a strong 154-run unbeaten partnership, rescuing England from a potentially tricky position.
On Day Two, Root resumed with calm authority. Showing immense discipline, he reached his century off 146 balls, drawing applause from the Sydney crowd and respect from both teams. It was Root’s second hundred of the Ashes series, underlining his importance to England in high-pressure contests.
England eventually posted 384 runs in their first innings, with Root’s 160 forming the backbone of the total.
Dominance Since 2021: Root Leads the Century Charts
One of the most striking aspects of Joe Root’s career is his consistency in recent years. Since the start of 2021, no batter in Test cricket has scored more centuries than Root. During this period alone, he has amassed an astonishing 24 Test hundreds, a figure that highlights his dominance in the longest format.
Trailing him jointly on the list are Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, Harry Brook, and Shubman Gill, each with 10 centuries since 2021. The gap between Root and his nearest contemporaries underlines the level at which he has been operating, often carrying England’s batting through difficult overseas tours and challenging conditions.
A Breakthrough Series in Australia
Historically, Australia has been one of the most demanding destinations for visiting batters, and Joe Root’s record there had long been a talking point. Prior to this Ashes series, Root had never scored a Test century in Australia, despite multiple tours.
That narrative changed during the 2025–26 Ashes. Root registered his first Australian Test hundred earlier in the series with a commanding 138 at the Gabba. Although England went on to lose that match, the innings marked a personal breakthrough. However, aside from that knock, Root struggled in seven of the first eight innings of the tour.
His century in Sydney therefore carried added significance. It was his second hundred in Australia, both coming in the same Ashes series, and it reaffirmed his adaptability and resilience even late into a demanding tour.
England’s Strong Start Despite Disruptions
England captain Ben Stokes made a bold call by choosing to bat first under overcast Sydney skies. Despite weather interruptions, England made solid progress thanks largely to Joe Root’s composure and Harry Brook’s attacking support. The partnership between Root and Brook set the tone for England’s innings and frustrated the Australian bowlers for long periods.
Even with limited play on Day One, England ensured they remained in control, a testament to their experienced middle order.
Joe Root’s Legacy Continues to Grow
At 34, Joe Root shows no signs of slowing down. His hunger for runs, technical precision, and ability to perform in pressure situations continue to define his career. Matching Ricky Ponting’s tally of Test centuries is not just a statistical milestone; it is a reflection of Root’s longevity, adaptability across conditions, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
With only Sachin Tendulkar and Jacques Kallis ahead of him, discussions around where Joe Root ultimately finishes on the all-time list are becoming increasingly compelling. Given his form since 2021, there is growing belief that Root could realistically surpass Kallis and move closer to Tendulkar’s record if he maintains fitness and motivation.
Read also: Top 10 Batsmen With the Most Centuries in T20I Cricket: Four Indians Feature in Elite List
Conclusion
Joe Root’s 41st Test century at the Sydney Cricket Ground is more than just another hundred—it is a landmark moment in cricket history. In a rain-affected Ashes finale, Root delivered a performance that blended elegance with endurance, reaffirming his status as one of the finest Test batters of all time.
As England continues its transition era and world cricket evolves, Joe Root remains a constant, setting standards, breaking records, and inspiring the next generation. With milestones still within reach, his journey is far from over—and the cricketing world continues to watch in admiration.
