The second-highest run scorer in Test cricket history was branded “Average Joe” by a Western Australian newspaper after arriving for England’s away Ashes tour.
Joe Root has scored 13,543 Test runs, which is surpassed only by Indian great Sachin Tendulkar (15,921). However, the Western Australian team highlighted his rather modest record Down Under in the front page headline.
Root is yet to score a Test hundred in Australia, and his best knock across three tours (two of which he captained) is 89, which he hit in the 2021/22 series in Brisbane.
Overall, the Yorkshireman averaged 35.68 in his 14 domestic Tests, well below his career average of 51.29 in 158 matches.
The West Australian newspaper went on to describe Mr Root as “a hero to his homeland and a pretender in Australia”.
England captain Ben Stokes, who will replace Root in 2022, was also criticized by The West Australian last week as a “cocky complainer”, with the newspaper reporting the all-rounder’s emergence as “thinking a stupid ‘buzz ball’ could take away the Ashes”.
England’s style under Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum was called “careless slashing batting”.
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Steve Smith made a huge mistake when leading NSW for the first time in eight years with the coin toss…Video credit: @cricketcomau
Root: I am in a “different place” from this ashes.
Speaking to Sky Sports recently, Root said he knew much of the chat ahead of the series would focus on the fact there was no Ashton away yet.
“I’m sure there will be a lot of talk (I haven’t hit 100 yet), but I feel like I’m ready for it. Big series are the games I want to come in and contribute to,” the batsman said.
“I feel like I’m in a different place than when I last played. I haven’t taken on the responsibilities of captain yet and I have more experience.
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Root speaks to Sky Sports about his thoughts ahead of The Ashes
“It has been a good few years since I joined and I have learned good lessons from previous tours both as a batsman and as a senior player.
“If you’re doing your part in the team, you’ll get some personal accolades, but that’s not the main focus. We’ve had that pot for a long time, so it’s important to get it back.”
Speaking last week, former England captain and current Sky Sports pundit Michael Atherton said media teasing would not have an undue influence on the visiting players.
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Former England captain Michael Atherton analyzes Australia’s Ashes team and areas England can exploit
Atherton said: “It’s all a bit of fun, it’s natural and it’s not something that should worry the cricketers traveling through England unduly.”
“They know that and they expect it. In the end it will also come down to what happens on the pitch.”
Ashes Series in Australia 2025-26
always UK and Ireland
First Test: Friday 21st November – Tuesday 25th November (2.30am) – Optus Stadium, Perth Second Test (day/night): Thursday 4th December – Monday 8th December (4.30am) – The Gabba, Brisbane Third Test: Wednesday 17th December – Sunday 21st December (12am) – Adelaide Oval Fourth Test: Thursday 25th December – Monday 29th December (11.30pm) – Melbourne Cricket Ground Fifth Test: Sunday 4th January – Thursday 8th January (11.30pm) – Sydney Cricket Ground
