Joe Root had a disappointing performance in the first Ashes Test against Australia in Perth, scoring zero runs in the first innings and eight runs in the second innings.Mitchell Starc claimed Root’s wicket in both innings of the match.Root entered the Ashes 2025 series as England’s highest run-scorer and second-highest overall in Test cricket.His Test career statistics are impressive with 13551 runs in 159 matches at an average of 50.94, including 39 centuries and 66 half-centuries. Many believe that if he continues to fire runs with his willow, he will soon be able to surpass the great Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the all-time record for most runs (15,921) in Test cricket.Despite his success worldwide, Root has struggled in Australia, failing to score a century or win a Test match on Australian soil.In Australia, Root has played 15 Tests, scoring 900 runs in 29 innings at an average of 33.33, with his highest score being 89 runs.Against Australia overall, Root has accumulated 2436 runs in 35 matches and 67 innings, maintaining an average of 39.29 with four centuries and 18 half-centuries.During the 2021-22 Ashes series, which England lost 4-0, Root finished as the third-highest run-scorer with 322 runs in five Tests at an average of 32.20.After his poor showing in Perth, Root will aim to improve his performance in the remaining four Test matches.In the match, England posted 172 runs in their first innings, with Harry Brook contributing 52 runs off 61 balls.Mitchell Starc dominated with the ball, taking seven wickets for 58 runs in 12.5 overs.Australia’s first innings ended at 132 runs, with Travis Head scoring 21, Cameron Green 24, and Alex Carey 26.England captain Ben Stokes excelled with the ball, taking five wickets for 23 runs in six overs, helping his team secure a 40-run lead.Nevertheless, Travis Head’s blistering 69-ball century led Australia to an eight-wicket win in the first Ashes Test, comfortably chasing 205 with support from Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith.
