Overview

• Panesar told IndiaToday.in that a poor Ashes could trigger a Virat Kohli–like setback for Root and even prompt scrutiny of England’s coach and captain.
• Root has yet to score a Test hundred in Australia, registering 892 runs at 35.68 with nine fifties across 27 innings.
• He cautioned that Australia’s pace and bounce, combined with a strong bowling attack, could make breaking the drought difficult.
• Panesar nonetheless said Root could surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s 15,921 Test runs if he sustains form over several more years; Root is on 13,543.
• The Ashes 2025–26 series is scheduled to begin on November 21, placing immediate focus on whether Root can convert his overall form into a first ton in Australia.