"I haven’t got the responsibility of captaincy, and I’m a lot more experienced now" - Joe Root hopes to end century drought in Australia during Ashes

Joe Root has been in phenomenal form in red-ball cricket, especially in the last three years, where his Test average is over 60. He has the second-most runs in Test cricket, only behind the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. However, something that has eluded Root so far in his illustrious career is an international century on Australian soil.

Root will have a chance to end the drought during the 2025-26 edition of the Ashes, which will be played Down Under. The first Test gets underway on November 21 in Perth. Ahead of the high-voltage series, Root believes that he has a great chance of scoring his first ton in Australia as he doesn't have the responsibility of captaining the side anymore and has also gained experience of playing Down Under over the years.

“I feel I’m in a different place than when I last went out there. I haven’t got the responsibility of captaincy, and I’m a lot more experienced now. I’ve had a good couple of years and learned important lessons from previous tours there as both a batter and senior player," Root said while speaking to Sky Sports at a celebrity padel event in Sheffield.

If I’m doing my role in the team, then the personal milestones will come: Root

In 27 innings, his highest score remains 89, with nine half-centuries to his name. Yet, the 34-year-old asserted that the team's success is more important to him than personal achievements. The Three Lions last won the Ashes in 2015. However, this win came in the United Kingdom. England have not emerged victorious in a Test series in Australia since the meeting in the 2010-2011 season.

“I’m sure there’ll be a lot of talk about me not scoring a hundred there yet. But I feel ready for it. The big series are the ones you want to play in, and the ones where you want to contribute. You want to create memories with your teammates that you can share for the rest of your lives. If I’m doing my role in the team, then the personal milestones will come. It’s not the main focus — it’s about winning that urn back. It’s been a long time since we held it," Root mentioned.

Root also reflected on the depth of the current England squad. The Sheffield-born feels that the balance of youth and experience will stand England in strong stead in Australia.

“I feel we have some serious resources to take out there and hit Australia with. Hopefully we can get that right because if I’m scoring heavily, it gives us a real chance,” he said.