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All Eyes on Joe Root’s Australian Century Drought as Ashes Opener Nears in Perth

Australia start the Perth Test without Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, which could ease the world No.1 batter’s path to a breakthrough.

Joe Root takes part in a training session ahead of the first Test match against Australia.
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Overview

  • Root remains without a Test hundred in Australia after 27 innings for 892 runs at an average of 35.68 with a top score of 89.
  • He enters the series ranked No.1 by the ICC with 13,543 Test runs and 39 centuries, including three tons in the recent India series.
  • England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith says the drought has not bothered Root and describes his influence on inexperienced tourists as calming.
  • Local coverage and former players have targeted Root’s record, including a West Australian headline of “Average Joe” and Rodney Hogg’s claim he is a weakness.
  • The first Test begins Friday in Perth, with England still seen as underdogs and Australia missing Pat Cummins (back) and Josh Hazlewood (hamstring) for the opener.