Ashes 2025-26: Joe Root Scores First Test Century in Australia as Mitchell Starc Surpasses Wasim Akram’s Record

The recent Test match in Australia witnessed significant achievements from both Joe Root and Mitchell Starc. Root scored his first Test century in Australia, and Starc moved past a legendary record held by Wasim Akram.

Ashes 2025-26: Joe Root’s Maiden Test Century in Australia

In the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 series, Joe Root has finally scored his first Test century in Australia, reaching an impressive score of 135 not out. This milestone came after 30 innings, making him the second-fastest player to achieve this among the top seven batters in an away country.

Immediate Context and Historical Comparisons

Only four players took longer than Root to score their first hundred in Australia. These include Ian Healy (41 innings), Bob Simpson (36), Steve Waugh (32), and Gordon Greenidge (32). Greenidge’s century at Adelaide in 1988-89 was made in his 32nd inning, coincidentally matching Root’s feat.

Root’s performance has also been noteworthy at the Brisbane venue. He is the second England batter to score over 135 on the opening day of a Test match there, following Alastair Cook’s 235 not out in 2010, and Ian Botham’s 138 in 1986.

Impressive Records on Day One

• Root’s 135* is the highest score by an England batter on the opening day of an Ashes Test since Andrew Strauss’s unbeaten 161 in 2009.
• Four of Root’s five Ashes hundreds have come on the opening day, underscoring his ability to capitalize early in matches.
• He ranks just behind Ricky Ponting with 14 hundreds on the opening day of a Test match.

Mitchell Starc’s Record-Breaking Performance

In the same match, Mitchell Starc reached a significant milestone, becoming the leading left-arm pacer in Test cricket history with 418 wickets. This surpasses Wasim Akram’s previous record of 414. Only Rangana Herath, with 433 wickets, has more among all left-arm bowlers.

Outstanding Bowling Achievements

• Starc has taken 16 wickets in the first two matches of this Ashes series, the most since Mitchell Johnson’s 17 in 2013-14.
• He has also matched Shane Warne as the only bowler to achieve six-plus wicket hauls in successive matches of an Ashes series.
• Notably, Starc has eight wickets in the first over of Tests since 2002, tied for the most with James Anderson.

Partnership Highlights and Further Achievements

During the match, Joe Root and Jofra Archer formed a remarkable tenth-wicket partnership of 61 runs. This is the highest for the tenth wicket in a day-night men’s Test match and the best for an Ashes Test in Australia since 1982.

Conclusion

The performances of Joe Root and Mitchell Starc in the ongoing Ashes series are reflective of their skills and determination. Root’s breakthrough century and Starc’s record are significant milestones in their careers, showcasing the intensity of competition in the Ashes 2025-26.