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England’s premier batter Joe Root finally ended his long-standing wait for a Test century on Australian soil, producing a classy hundred on day one of the second Ashes 2025-26 Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. Root reached the landmark from 181 balls, bringing up his 40th Test hundred – but incredibly, his first in 30 innings in Australia, despite previously notching up 10 fifties and a best of 89.
The milestone sent a wave of emotion through the ground and across social media, with England fans celebrating the moment they had waited nearly a decade to witness.
Walking in with England at 5/2, Joe Root masterminds a rescue act
Root arrived in a high-pressure situation after Mitchell Starc dismissed Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope in the same over, leaving England rattled early at 5 for 2. What followed was a masterclass in patience, footwork and game awareness.
The 34-year-old steadied the innings alongside Zak Crawley, sharing a vital century partnership that halted Australia’s momentum under the pink ball. As wickets continued to fall at the other end against the pace trio of Starc, Scott Boland and Michael Neser, Root held England together, guiding them towards a competitive total in tricky twilight conditions.
His innings, studded with 11 fours, showcased flawless control against seam, swing and bounce. It was the type of composed, high-quality knock that has defined his career – and one that England desperately needed.
Fans, former players celebrate Root’s “career-completing” moment
Root’s century instantly became one of the crucial moments of the series. Within minutes, social media erupted with celebratory messages, tributes and emotional reactions from supporters thrilled to see him cross the one major hurdle that had eluded an otherwise glittering Test career.
Many fans called it “the moment of the Ashes”, while others labelled Root “England’s greatest modern batter” – a title strengthened by yet another big-occasion performance.
Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden, who had jokingly vowed to run around the MCG naked if Root failed to score a Test ton this tour, even sent a warm congratulatory message. Hayden admitted with humour that “no one had more skin in the game” when it came to Root getting the long-awaited hundred.
Root’s career in Australia has been rich with fluent fifties but barren in centuries – until now. This hundred not only fills the most glaring gap in his Ashes record but also cements his place among the great overseas performers of the modern game.
Here’s are the reactions on Root’s terrific hundred:
HE'S FINALLY DONE IT!
Joe Root has his first century in Australia.
Live blog:
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau)
🚨 HE’S DONE IT! 🚨
No doubt before. No doubt now.
A true great of the game 🙌
— England Cricket (@englandcricket)
Joe Root's International hundreds in each Country
34 in England (248 Inns)
7 in West Indies (30 Inns)
5 in New Zealand (36 Inns)
4 in Sri Lanka (22 Inns)
3 in South Africa (24 Inns)
3 in India (57 Inns)
2 in Pakistan (13 Inns)
1* in Australia (47 Inns)
0 in U.A.E. (12 Inns)
0 in…— All Cricket Records (@Cric_records45)
Joe Root hit his first Ashes century while the rest of England’s batters disappeared faster than their shot selection. 🔥🏏
— MukeshAswin🌟 (@mukeshaswin7)
Joe Root is such a lovely island of brilliance in my sea of sporting debacles this year. What a player, what composure 🏏
— Callum Hansey (@Callelujah)
Joe root the make a beautiful century and test career achievements 40th number of 💯
In his 30th Test innings down under, Joe Root reaches three figures for the first time on Australian soil— J.K.Limba (@jklimba9)
Fab 4 Test hundreds:
Joe Root – 40*.
Steven Smith – 36.
Kane Williamson – 33.
Virat Kohli – 30 (RETIRED).
— Kanak Kumari (@KanakKu64995524)
MATTHEW HAYDEN ON JOE ROOT'S FIRST HUNDRED IN AUSTRALIA. 👌😀
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh)
Joe Root is just pure class. I don't understand why the rest of the team keep playing crazy shots off Starc though. Just see his overs out.
— John Collinge (@JC_1987)
Chills! Joe Root's ice-cold "Hundred" celebration after that masterclass knock in the Ashes 🥶🔥
Who's got the nerve to bowl to this man next? England on top!
— Adarsh (@Adarshkumar_05)
Joe Root 🐐
— Cold Cricket Pictures (@ColdCricketPix)
It was just a matter of time. He's too good a player to not have a hundred in Australia.
Joe Root is special because he continues to deliver in the toughest format of the game
— Parth MN (@parthpunter)
Also WATCH: Josh Inglis’ stunning direct hit sends Ben Stokes packing on Day 1 of the pink-ball Test | Ashes 2025-26
