By scoring 135 not out in the second test of the Ashes series, Joe Root silenced his last remaining critics, mainly Australians, who will no longer be able to refer to him as ‘Average Joe’.
Having scored centuries in every Test-playing country bar Australia, Root critics still had a chink in his record to attack until he managed the feat in Australia. Following his majestic score in Brisbane, it’s now very hard for critics to argue that he is not one of the greatest ever batsmen in Test cricket. As his former teammate Sir Alastair Cook said: “Even Australia will have to admit he’s a great now.”
The fact that his century came during yet another dismal display by the England cricket team makes it even more noteworthy and exemplifies Root’s many attributes in comparison to his teammates. The frustrating thing is that it is not rocket science. To be a good sportsperson you need to have a natural talent and natural physical strength. To be a great, you need that little bit extra – the mental capacity to focus, and a desire to keep getting better even when you have reached a pinnacle. Sadly, this is in short supply with the England squad down under.
Many sporting greats are unable to achieve their status without stretching into arrogance. Think Mohammed Ali, Christiano Ronaldo, Ian Botham and, uncharacteristically, the recent outbursts by Mo Salah. They have all been at the top of their sport, and deservedly soaked up the acclamation, but in the process the greatness seems to have seeped into their persona and how they conduct themselves.
Not so Joe Root. He remains as humble as he appeared in 2012 when making his test debut. That day provided a sign of what was to come as he occupied the crease for nearly five hours, and the dogged determination not to give his wicket away remains his key attribute. Quite possibly this is down to the Yorkshire in him, having been born in Sheffield and remaining a Sheffield United fan, that brought out the stinginess in him, and bowlers around the world can attest to the effort needed to dislodge him.
In many ways Root’s persona is similar to that expressed by rugby’s Jonny Wilkinson, another great of his time. The one main difference I can see is that while Wilkinson remained humble and modest, he also came across as slightly remote and strangely obsessive. The contrast with Joe is stark and clearly illustrated by the broad smile and expressive opening of his arms when he completed the century in Brisbane, with an expression of ‘what was all the fuss about?’. He conquered his last remaining obstacle to greatness and can now certainly lay claim to GOAT status as an English batsman if not to the rest of the world.
All real sports fans revel in seeing the best players in their sport triumph, especially against the odds of playing in a mediocre team. No longer ‘Average Joe’ has brightened up an otherwise deeply depressing Ashes tour for English cricket fans, and for that he will always have their affection, respect and gratitude.
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The above is accurate as at 26 November 2025.
The information above may be subject to change. The content of this note should not be considered legal advice, and each matter should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
