Joe Root Scores 41st Test Century, Joins Ricky Ponting Third on All-Time List

England batting maestro Joe Root achieved a historic milestone on Day 2 of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 5, 2026, by scoring his 41st Test century. The right-handed batter reached the landmark in 146 deliveries during England's first innings, tying Australian legend Ricky Ponting for the third-most Test hundreds in history. Root now trails only South African great Jacques Kallis (45 centuries) and Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar (51 centuries) on the all-time list. This was Root's second hundred of the ongoing Ashes series, following his century in the pink-ball Test in Brisbane.

Since 2021, Root has been in exceptional form, scoring 24 Test centuries—the most by any batter in this period. His overall Test record stands at an impressive 13,777 runs in 162 matches and 296 innings, at an average of 50.83. The 41st ton further cements his status as one of the modern era's greatest batsmen. Ponting, whom Root now equals, amassed 13,378 runs in 168 Tests at an average of 51.85, along with 41 centuries and 62 half-centuries. The milestone was celebrated widely across the cricketing world as Root continues to close in on several major batting records.

At the lunch break on Day 2, England was in a commanding position at 336 for 6 in 78 overs. Root remained unbeaten on 138 (off 200 balls, including 14 fours), while young all-rounder Will Jacks was on 3 not out. The pair had added 13 runs for the seventh wicket. Earlier in the innings, Mitchell Starc dismissed Harry Brook for 84 (off 97 balls) to break a 169-run fourth-wicket stand, while Marnus Labuschagne removed Jamie Smith for 46 to end a 94-run sixth-wicket partnership. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, England's aggressive intent kept them on top.

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England won the toss on Day 1 and elected to bat first. However, rain and bad light restricted play to just 45 overs, with the third session completely washed out. Openers Zak Crawley (16) and Ben Duckett (27) provided a solid start with a 35-run stand. Jacob Bethell contributed 10 before Root and Brook steadied the innings. The pair took England past 100 in the first session and dominated the second, reaching 155 for 3 by the 33rd over. Root brought up his fifty in 65 balls, while Brook notched his half-century as the duo added 150 for the fourth wicket before tea.

The Sydney Test continues to deliver gripping action, with Root's masterclass putting England in a strong position. His 41st century not only equals a great Australian record but also underlines his consistency and class in the longest format. As the Ashes series reaches its finale, Root's milestone adds another chapter to his storied career. Cricket fans around the world continue to celebrate the English batter's remarkable achievement.

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