The second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history was branded ‘Average Joe’ by Western Australian newspapers after arriving for the Ashes tour of England.
Joe Root has 13,543 Test runs. Only India great Sachin Tendulkar (15,921) has more. But the West Australian made front page headlines by focusing on his relatively humble record Down Under.
Root is yet to score a Test hundred in Australia, with his best knock in three tours (two of which he was captain) of 89 in the 2021/22 series in Brisbane.
Overall, the Yorkshireman has averaged 35.68 in 14 domestic Tests, considerably lower than his career average of 51.29 in 158 matches.
Western Australia went on to describe Root as “a hometown hero and an Australian matriarch”.
England captain Ben Stokes, who will succeed Root in the role in 2022, was also criticized as an “uppity complainer” by a Western Australian publication last week. The outlet said the all-rounder “thinks stupid ‘Bazball’ can win the Ashes.”
England’s style under Stokes and manager Brendan McCollum has been described as ‘careless thrash batting’.
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Steve Smith made a big mistake on the coin toss while leading New South Wales for the first time in eight years… Video source: @cricketcomau
Root: I’m in a ‘different place’ regarding this Ashes.
speaking sky sports Root recently said he knew a lot of the conversation ahead of the series would focus on the fact that he was yet to have an Ashes ton on the road.
“I haven’t got 100 runs yet but I’m sure there will be a lot of talk about it. But I think I’m ready. A big series is a series you want to play in and contribute to,” the batsman said.
“I feel like I’m in a different place than when I last went out. I don’t have the responsibility of being captain and I have a lot more experience.”
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Root talks about his feelings ahead of The Ashes on Sky Sports.
“I had a great few years ahead and learned some good lessons from previous tours as a batsman and as a senior player.
“If I’m playing my part in the team, I’ll get some personal praise, but that’s not the main focus. It’s been a long time coming and it’s important to get the urn back.”
Speaking last week, former England captain and current Sky Sports pundit Michael Atherton said the media banter would not unduly influence the visiting players.
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Former England captain Michael Atherton analyzes Australia’s Ashes squad and the areas England can exploit.
Atherton said: “This is all a bit of fun, par for the course and nothing overly concerning for the traveling England cricketers.
“They will know that and expect it. It will also ultimately come down to what happens on the pitch.”
Ashes series 2025-26 in Australia
Always UK and Ireland
- First test: Friday, November 21st ~ Tuesday, November 25th (2:30 AM) – Optus Stadium, Perth
- Second test (day/night): Thursday, December 4 – Monday, December 8 (4:30 am) – The Gabba, Brisbane
- Third test: Wednesday, December 17th ~ Sunday, December 21st (12am) – Adelaide Oval
- Fourth test: Thursday, December 25 – Monday, December 29 (11:30 PM) – Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Fifth test: Sunday, January 4 – Thursday, January 8 (11:30 PM) – Sydney Cricket Ground
