The modern-day Test great, England’s Joe Root, showcased once again why he is regarded as one of the finest batters of his generation. On Thursday at the Gabba, in the second Test of the Ashes 2025-26, Root achieved the milestone that had eluded him for more than a decade — his first Test century on Australian soil.

Walking in at a precarious 5 for 2, Root rebuilt England’s innings with tremendous composure and class. Despite failing in the first Test at Perth, he shut out the noise and delivered a gritty, elegant century off 181 balls. His knock has pushed England into a competitive position after early damage from the Australian pace attack.

Before this innings, Root’s highest score in Australia was 89, scored at this very venue in 2021.

Responding with both humour and admiration, Hayden said:

“Congratulations mate on a hundred here in Australia. Took you a while and there was no one that had more skin in the game than me, literally. I was backing you for a hundred in a good way. So congratulations, ten fifties and finally a hundred. You little ripper mate. Have a beauty and bloody enjoy it.”

Hayden’s cheeky MCG promise fulfilled

Ahead of this Ashes series, Matthew Hayden confidently stated that he would run naked around the MCG if Joe Root failed to score a hundred in Australia this summer. His daughter even pleaded publicly with Root to “please score a hundred so Dad doesn’t embarrass himself.”

Root acknowledged the plea — and ensured Hayden was spared a memorable humiliation with this breakthrough ton.

One step behind Ponting

Root’s maiden Australian century is also his 40th Test hundred, placing him just one behind Australian great Ricky Ponting (41). He now trails only:

  • Sachin Tendulkar — 51 Test tons

  • Jacques Kallis — 45 Test tons

With this milestone finally achieved, Root continues to rewrite England’s batting history — and, at long last, keep Matthew Hayden fully clothed at the MCG.

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