Joe Root Eyes Redemption in Australia Ahead of Upcoming Ashes Series

London – England’s veteran batter Joe Root has expressed confidence that his wealth of experience — including 158 Test matches — now puts him in the best position yet to break his winless streak in Australia, as preparations ramp up for the highly anticipated Ashes 2025-26 series.

Despite amassing an impressive 13,543 Test runs, placing him second only to Sachin Tendulkar (15,921) in the all-time rankings, Root is yet to win a Test or score a century on Australian soil. In 27 innings Down Under, the 34-year-old averages 35.68 with nine half-centuries to his name.

However, Root believes the lessons from previous tours, combined with his experience, make him more prepared than ever.

“Having played in Australia a couple of times before, now going with 150-odd Test caps under my belt, I feel I couldn’t be more ready for it,” Root told British media on Thursday.

“The thing that stands out for me is I probably wanted it (a century) way too much the last couple of times. It took me away from what was important.”

A Challenging History in Australia

England has not won a Test in Australia since 2010-11, the last time they clinched the Ashes away from home. Australia dominated the 2017-18 and 2021-22 series 4-0, and retained the urn with a 2-2 draw in England in 2023.

Root, who captained England during the last two Ashes tours in Australia, reflected on the various distractions that may have hindered his performance.

“There were a lot of distractions,” Root admitted.
“I was captain, COVID, the Stokes incident, and the Jonny Bairstow headbutt — it all added to the chaos.”

A New Approach for 2025-26

Root now aims to focus purely on cricket and enjoy the tour as it comes.

“This time I want to just go and enjoy the tour for what it is. It is a beautiful country; it’s a great place to go and play cricket. I know if I put my best performances in, then everything else will look after itself.”

Ashes 2025-26 Schedule

The Ashes series kicks off on November 21 in Perth, followed by a day-night Test in Brisbane, the third Test in Adelaide, and the traditional Boxing Day and New Year’s Tests in Melbourne and Sydney, respectively.

With a new mindset and record-breaking experience, Joe Root is determined to finally make his mark in Australia — and help lead England to long-awaited Ashes glory on foreign soil.

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