English batter Joe Root is eager to notch his first century and victory in Australia when he goes Down Under for the upcoming Ashes later this year.
Root, who became the second-highest Test run-scorer of all-time during the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, averages 35.68 in Australia, but has not managed to reach three figures in three tours to the country.
His highest score on those tours in 89, scored at Brisbane during the 2021-22 Ashes.
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“Having played in Australia a couple of times before, now going with 150-odd Test caps under my belt, I feel I couldn’t be more ready for it,” Root said in an interview on the ICC website.
“The thing that stands out for me is I probably wanted it (a century) way too much the last couple of times. It took me away from what was important,”he added.
Root has not won a Test in Australia in any of his three tours either. This includes two tours (2017/18 and 2021) as captain, both of which ended in 4-0 defeats.
Reflecting on those tours, Root said: “There were a lot of distractions,” referring to the last two Ashes series in Australia.
“I was captain, COVID (in 2021-22), there was the (Ben) Stokes incident the time before that, the Jonny (Bairstow) headbutt incident as well.”
Speaking about his aspirations for the upcoming tour, Root said, “This time I want to just go and enjoy the tour for what it is. It is a beautiful country it is a great place to go and play cricket.
“I know if I put my best performances in then everything else will look after itself.”
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