Root’s Century Elevates Him to All-Time Great Status Leaving ‘Average Joe’ Behind
Root’s journey in cricket has reached a significant milestone, elevating him to the status of an all-time great. His performance has essential implications for England’s aspirations in the ongoing Ashes series.
Historic Achievements and Challenges
Joe Root played a pivotal role by scoring 135 runs in Brisbane, marking a potential turning point for England. This performance could lead England to their first victory in Brisbane since 1986 and their first win overall in Australia since 2011. Furthermore, it would be their first victory in a day-night Test match in Australia.
Struggles in Past Tours
- Root has participated in 16 consecutive winless Tests since his debut tour in 2013-14.
- On his first tour, he was dropped for the final match in Sydney after a disappointing performance.
- During the 2017-18 series, Root ended up in the hospital due to extreme heat after a 4-0 series loss.
- In the 2021-22 series, he again faced adversity, suffering injuries during a day-night Test in Adelaide, culminating in another 4-0 defeat.
Implications for the Future
This series may be Root’s last chance to compete in an Ashes series in Australia, as he will be nearing 39 years old during the next scheduled visit. The 150th anniversary Test is set to take place in 15 months.
Perception and Recognition
Despite his impressive statistics, Root’s lack of centuries in Australia has led to skepticism about his legacy. Darren Lehmann, his former coach at Yorkshire, stated that Root wouldn’t qualify as an “all-time great” until he achieves a century on Australian soil.
Recently, Root was labeled as “Average Joe” by a local newspaper for not scoring a century during his 29 innings in Australia. However, his latest performance is likely to change this perception significantly.
Conclusion
With his performance in Brisbane, Joe Root’s status has been elevated from that of an average player to an all-time great in the eyes of fans and critics alike. His contributions are vital for England as they seek to reclaim the Ashes.