Joe Root creates history with 50th ODI half-century against Australia

At Adelaide on November 15, 2026, Joe Root etched his name into England's ODI history, becoming the first batter from the country to reach 50 half-centuries in the format. The milestone arrived during the second ODI against Australia, where Root contributed 62 runs off 68 balls, striking five fours in a composed middle-order knock.

Root achieved the feat in his 201st ODI appearance, making him the 21st player worldwide to reach the landmark of 50 half-centuries in the format. Alongside those 50 fifties, Root also has 20 ODI centuries to his name, underlining the consistency he has maintained across his white-ball career.

England posted 355 for 6 in their 50 overs, a total that stands as their highest-ever score on Australian soil in ODI cricket. Root's dismissal came in the 28th over, when Cooper Connolly accounted for him, but by then the platform had been firmly set for England's lower order to accelerate.

How does Root compare with other England batters on the ODI fifties list?

Root's tally of 50 half-centuries places him well clear of the rest of England's ODI batting records in this regard. Former captain Eoin Morgan sits second on England's all-time list with 42 fifties from 225 matches, while Ian Bell is third with 35 fifties. Jos Buttler occupies fourth position with 30 half-centuries to his name.

The gap between Root and Morgan underlines how Root has sustained his ODI output over a long career, reaching a number that no England batter had previously managed across the format's history.

How did England reach 355 for 6 at Adelaide?

Tom Banton played a central role in England's imposing total, scoring 122 off 99 balls with 12 fours and 4 sixes. Banton and Root put on 137 runs for the second wicket, a partnership that gave England's innings its foundation and momentum through the middle overs.

Jordan Cox contributed 67 off 49 balls, hitting 6 fours and 1 six, while Will Jacks added 54 off 40 balls with 4 fours and 1 six to help England push past 350. For Australia, Xavier Bartlett was the pick of the bowlers, returning 3 wickets for 72 runs from his full allocation of 10 overs. Spencer Johnson and Riley Medrith each took one wicket, as did Cooper Connolly, who removed Root in the 28th over.