Joe Root admits wanting century in Australia 'way too much' in the past as England star prepares for 'hostile' Ashes series
Published 14/08/2025 at 20:22 GMT+1
Former England captain Joe Root is preparing for the upcoming Ashes series, still waiting for his first Test century in Australia. Root has admitted he wanted it "way too much" in the past, while eagerly awaiting what promises to be another "hostile" series to come. Root recently became the second-highest Test run scorer ever after a stellar series against India.
Joe Root celebrates his 38th Test century
Image credit: Getty Images
Joe Root has admitted he wanted his first Test century in Australia "way too much" on previous Ashes tours there, as he aims to put that right this winter.
Root's last two Ashes tours were as captain, but he will not have that distraction this time as England aim to win the urn back.
The series gets underway in November, with every ball live and exclusive on TNT Sports and discovery+.
On that elusive century, Root said, via ESPN: "The thing that stands out for me is I probably wanted it way too much the last couple of times. It took me away from what was important.
"Having played there a couple of times before, now going there with 150-odd Test matches under my belt, I feel like you couldn't be more ready for it so just go and enjoy what a great tour it should be."
Root recently became the second-highest run scorer in Test cricket with another set of stellar performances against India.
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Joe Root batting in Sydney on England's last tour of Australia in 2022
Image credit: Getty Images
The series was compelling throughout, with India winning the final Test at The Oval to seal a 2-2 draw.
Despite the great excitement of those contests, for the majority there will never be anything higher on the agenda for England players than beating their oldest enemy.
Ashes tours to Australia are famously hostile for visiting teams, and Root is expecting no different this time.
Rather than worry about it, the Yorkshireman is embracing the fervent atmospheres to come.
"Clearly it's going to be hostile, it's going to be everything you'd expect and want from an away Ashes series," Root added.
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"That's something you've got to relish and want, and I want to go out there and just enjoy being a part of it."
The first Test begins in Perth on November 21, with further matches in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.
Watch and stream top cricket action, including the 2025/26 Ashes series, live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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