Joe Root Creates History in Australia, Bairstow Calls Him England’s Greatest Ever
Jonny Bairstow has showered praise on Joe Root after the England star smashed two Test centuries in Australia during the ongoing Ashes series. Root, who had never scored a Test hundred on Australian soil before this tour, finally broke the barrier with a classy ton in the pink-ball Test at Brisbane.
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SCG Masterclass Display
Root took it a step further in the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, scoring a commanding 160 runs. His knock anchored England’s first innings total of 384 and stood out as one of the finest performances by a visiting batter in tough Australian conditions.
Elite Century Club
With his 41st Test century coming against Australia, Root joined legendary Ricky Ponting on the elite list. Since 2021, he has scored 24 Test hundreds — the most by any player — and now trails only Jacques Kallis (45) and Sachin Tendulkar (51) on the all-time list.
Bairstow’s Glowing Praise
Speaking from the SA20 League, where he is representing Sunrisers Eastern Cape, Bairstow labelled Root “the best of our generation.” He said Root has once again proved doubters wrong by conquering one of the hardest challenges in world cricket.
Emotional Teammate Tribute
“Absolutely incredible. Joe Root is, without doubt, the best of our generation,” Bairstow said. He added that Root’s ability to deliver centuries in Australia shows his greatness, calling him a brilliant teammate and close friend.
Australia’s Strong Reply
Despite Root’s heroics, Australia remained in control of the fifth Test. By lunch on Day 3, the hosts were 281/3, still trailing England by 103 runs. Travis Head was unbeaten on a stunning 162, with Steve Smith providing support at the other end.
England’s Batting Effort
England’s innings saw solid starts from Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, while Harry Brook played a fluent knock of 84. Root then stitched crucial partnerships with Brook and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith to push England beyond the 350-run mark.
Bowling Highlights Noted
For Australia, Michael Neser was the standout bowler with four wickets, while Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland chipped in with key breakthroughs to wrap up England’s innings.
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