Root silences ‘Average Joe’ jibes with first century in Australia

Despite the understated celebration, this meant the world to Root on a restorative night for a man who has experienced only dark, lonely moments on Ashes tours and had his stomach for batting in Australia questioned ever since setting foot in the country a month ago.

Even at the age of 34 and with more Test runs than all but one man in the history of the game, he looked rattled this week after his nought and eight in the first Test, despite his protestations to the contrary.

He was hurt by the criticism of England, the charges of hubris, arrogance and cockiness. He also knew deep down his legacy would be tarnished if he failed to make a hundred on this, almost certainly his last Ashes tour. None of his team-mates mentioned it in his presence but recognised it was on his mind. “I would be amazed if it wasn’t in his head, for sure,” said Zak Crawley.

Now his reputation is fully adorned and his position as England’s greatest batsman of all time confirmed when considering his success in all conditions around the world.

Of his 40 Test hundreds, none have been as brave as this. “Everyone sees the talent, but no one sees the inner steel he has as well,” said Crawley.

Because of the position of his team, coming in at five for two with the Gabba rocking, as well as the personal stakes, Root summoned up all his reserves of mental strength to save England’s Ashes campaign and deliver a masterclass.

In the final throes of the day, relieved of the burden, he swatted his first six in Australia, a reverse ramp off Scott Boland that added a Bazball touch to a Test century that was a classic of its kind.