Ashes 2025-26: England’s Joe Root equals Ricky Ponting with 41st Test ton

During the fifth Ashes Test against Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground, England’s famous hitter Joe Root got his 41st Test century. Root’s historic knock brought him level with Australian veteran Ricky Ponting on the all-time list of Test hundreds, placing him joint third behind Sachin Tendulkar and Jacques Kallis. Root’s century led England’s first innings, which saw the visitors produce a respectable total.

Joe Root, who resumed Day 2 on 72 not out after rain and bad light disrupted play on the first day, carried England’s batting responsibilities.

He received helpful assistance from Harry Brook, and the two extended their partnership to 169 runs for the fourth wicket. Brook’s 84 helped the visitors anchor the middle overs, but his dismissal to Scott Boland shortly before lunch caused a mini-collapse on the other end.

Ben Stokes fell for a duck, while Jamie Smith chipped in with a valuable 46 before being dismissed by Marnus Labuschagne. Through it all, Root held one end strong. He reached his century off 146 deliveries with a push for two. The right-handed batter went on to bring up his 150 as England crossed the 350-run mark. His innings finally ended on 160 when Michael Neser produced a brilliant caught-and-bowled effort, also completing four wickets. England were eventually bowled out for 384 in 97.3 overs.