Legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting has labelled Joe Root's inability to score a Test century on Australian soil as a significant blemish on the English batsman's otherwise glittering career record.
A 'Blight on the Copybook'
As the anticipation builds for the first Ashes Test at Perth's Optus Stadium this Friday, Ponting, who will be part of the Channel Seven commentary team, did not hold back in his assessment. He pointed out that Root has made nine half-centuries in Australia without converting any into a hundred, a statistic that stands out given his overall success.
"I know he's on record as saying he doesn't care but he would want to finish his career with a Test match hundred in Australia, there's no doubt about it," Ponting stated. "It's a blight on his copybook really not having made a hundred in Australia."
Despite this, Ponting believes the former England captain is better equipped than ever to break the drought, citing his strong form over the last couple of seasons. Root's class is undeniable; in July, he surpassed Ponting's total to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history with 13,543 runs from 158 Tests, sitting behind only the great Sachin Tendulkar.
The Mental Battle for a World-Class Player
The numbers highlight the contrast in Root's performance. While he boasts a stellar overall Test average of 51.30, this plummets to an average of 35.68 across 27 innings in Australia, with a highest score of 89. His recent warm-up outing at Lilac Hill in Perth yielded scores of just 1 and 31.
Fellow Seven commentator and former England opener David 'Bumble' Lloyd suggested the milestone would inevitably be playing on Root's mind. "He's like a golfer going for a major. If you haven't got one, it's going to gnaw away at you a little bit," Lloyd said.
However, Lloyd expressed full confidence in Root's ability to overcome the hurdle, praising his temperament and preparation. "He's a world-class player," Lloyd affirmed, noting that Root would want to join the list of English batsmen like Pietersen and Vaughan who have scored Ashes tons in Australia.
Ponting's Ashes Outlook and Australian Confidence
Looking at the broader series, Ponting emphasised the critical importance of the first Test in Perth for England's chances. He believes the English will be long odds to win the day-night second Test at the Gabba, making a strong start in WA essential.
Despite Australia missing frontline fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood for the opener, Ponting still fancied the home side's chances of winning the first three matches. "There are a lot of things in Australia's favour," he said, pointing to venues like Optus Stadium, the Gabba, and Adelaide where Australia has been traditionally strong.
He issued a particular warning about facing Mitchell Starc with the pink ball in Brisbane. "None of those England players will be looking forward to facing him at the Gabba with a brand-new pink kookaburra that's for sure," Ponting concluded.
The Ashes preview show featuring Ricky Ponting, Aaron Finch, and James Brayshaw airs at 9.30pm tonight on Seven.
