Five Quintessential Joe Root Performances in the Ashes

Test cricket has seen Joe Root emerge as a batsman par excellence. His knack for piling up runs, coupled with his impeccable technique, has put him on the map as England’s most dependable run-scorer. Despite experiencing a slump in form and being stripped of the England captaincy, Root’s comeback to red-ball cricket has been nothing short of phenomenal.

In the high-pressure environment of The Ashes series, Root’s consistency and adaptability underline his importance to England’s batting order. His strong technical skill set, adept shot selection, and ability to manoeuvre across varied pitch conditions set him apart. This piece illuminates five of Joe Root’s most memorable innings in the Ashes Series.

Masterful 180 at Lord’s, Ashes 2013

The second Test of the 2013 Ashes series witnessed a seminal innings from Joe Root at the esteemed Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. England, struggling in their first innings after the fall of early wickets, found a saviour in 22-year-old Root.

He displayed remarkable temperament, fashioning a meticulously crafted 180-run knock that lasted almost eight hours and 338 balls, replete with graceful shots and sturdy defense.

Spirited 134 at Cardiff, Ashes 2015

Root’s invaluable contribution came in the first Test of the 2015 Ashes series at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. Winning the toss and choosing to bat, England found themselves on the back foot. Enter Root, who played a match-defining knock of 134 that helped England recover and build a competitive total. His strategic shot selection, adept management of loose deliveries, and successful partnership with Garry Ballance, collectively culminated in a victory over Australia.

Dauntless 130 at Trent Bridge, Ashes 2015

The fourth Test of the 2015 Ashes series at Trent Bridge in Nottingham saw Root exhibit another masterful performance. Faced with the daunting task of chasing Australia’s hefty total of 481, Root stood tall. Entering the crease at number 4, he expertly navigated the Australian bowlers, unleashing an assortment of aggressive shots coupled with a solid defence. His innings of 130 runs, derived from 176 balls and punctuated with 18 boundaries, were a sight to behold.

Steady 118 at Edgbaston, Ashes 2023

Eleven years into his Test career, Joe Root continues to dazzle audiences with his performance. In the inaugural Test of the ongoing Ashes series, England, having won the toss and elected to bat, found themselves in a quandary after the early dismissal of their opening batsmen.

It was Root who once again rescued the team, contributing a cool 118 runs off 152 balls at a strike rate of 77.63. He forged a critical partnership with Bairstow, propelling England to a commendable first-innings total of 393.

Resilient 89 at Brisbane, Ashes 2021-22

The 2021-22 Ashes series marked a significant transition period for England, but former skipper Joe Root remained a beacon of consistency. In the first Test, England were grappling with the loss of early wickets in their first innings.

Root, taking guard at number 4, showcased his mettle, stabilizing the innings with a patient knock of 89 runs off 163 deliveries, including nine boundaries. His characteristic cover drives and astute field manipulation were on full display, underscoring his crucial role in the team.