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Joe Root, England’s foremost run-scorer in Test cricket, faces scrutiny regarding his status as an “all-time great.” A key point of contention revolves around his lack of a century while playing in Australia, as articulated by former Australian head coach Darren Lehmann.
Root is often placed alongside luminaries of the game like Australia’s Steve Smith, India’s Virat Kohli, and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, all of whom are recognized for their achievements across varied conditions globally. Despite boasting a commendable average of 51.01 over 149 Test matches and having secured 35 centuries overall, Root has yet to convert his opportunities into a ton on Australian soil, with a highest score of merely 89 in 27 innings and an average of 35.68.
Lehmann’s remarks came in the wake of India’s resounding victory over Australia in the first Test of their series in Perth, during which Kohli notched his 30th Test century, underscoring his prolific record in Australia.
When asked if Root belonged to the same elite category as Kohli, Lehmann responded: “Nope, he’s a rung below for that reason,” emphasizing that the ability to perform in challenging environments against various opponents is crucial in solidifying one’s legacy. He acknowledged Root’s talent but questioned his status as an all-time great without the requisite runs in Australia, a sentiment reflecting the competitive standards set by his peers.
Athers on Root: Runs in Australia will complete his greatness
As England gears up for a three-match Test series against New Zealand starting in Christchurch, attention is already turning toward upcoming tours, including India in 2025 and the Ashes in Australia for the 2025-26 season. England aims to reclaim the Ashes, having last achieved success in this prestigious series in 2015. Since their last tour of Australia in 2021-22, Root has been in remarkable form, accumulating 12 hundreds and 11 fifties.
Former England captain Michael Atherton highlighted Root’s position within the context of his contemporaries, noting, “Root has always been bracketed with Williamson, Kohli, and Smith, and of late, it’s Root who’s been really going great guns.” He acknowledged Root’s ongoing struggle to secure a century in Australia as a significant aspect of his career that the player would want to address.
Atherton elaborated on the psychological impact this might have on Root: “I’m sure it’s not invading his every waking thought, but I think the great players want to tick off everything in their careers.” He noted that while Root has achieved considerable milestones—including being an Ashes winner and the leading England run-scorer—proving his mettle in Australia remains a hurdle he no doubt wishes to clear.
England’s Test Tour of New Zealand
First Test: November 28 – December 2 (Christchurch)
Second Test: December 6 – 10 (Wellington)
Third Test: December 14 – 18 (Hamilton)
With Root’s illustrious career still evolving, the anticipation will not just be on forthcoming matches but particularly on how he chooses to confront the challenges that lie ahead in Australia, potentially solidifying his place in cricket’s pantheon.
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