Ashes 2025-26: Joe Root played the innings of his life in Gabba Test, says Michael Atherton

Former England captain Michael Atherton hailed ace English batter Joe Root for his sublime knock on Day 1 of the second Test of the ongoing Ashes. Root hit his first Test ton in Australia in his 30th innings Down Under.

Atherton admitted that Root’s milestone had taken more time than it should have. However, he lauded the manner in which the the top-order batter anchored the innings despite a couple of early blows after the tourists had opted to bat first on winning the toss.

“It’s been a long time coming. What matters to him more than anything is scoring crucial runs at a critical time. He was in for the 16th ball of the innings at 5 for 2, so it could have gone horribly wrong. With Mitchell Starc knocking back Duckett and Pope for ducks, all those memories of Perth flooding back, but then England’s greatest run-getter played the innings of his life — because everything is on the line here,” stated Atherton while speaking on Sky Sports Cricket’s podcast.

Root navigated the early onslaught by the Australian quicks to gradually settle himself at the crease. He ended up unbeaten on 135 off 202 with 15 fours and one six to his name. The 135 was also the most by an English batter on the first day of a Test in Australia since Michael Vaughan’s 177 in Adelaide in 2002.

Root’s scores in the series-opening clash in Perth read 0 and 8 in England‘s eight-wicket loss. There was concern as to how England’s most seasoned batter would fare in the remainder of the series. However, the Brisbane knock could well be a turning point for the Ben Stokes-led unit.

Speaking of the match situation at Stumps, England got to 325/9 in 74 overs. Root and Jofra Archer forged a vital 10th-wicket stand of 61 off just 44 deliveries by the end of the first day’s play. Mitchell Starc finished with six wickets to his name in another wonderful display of fast bowling.