Joe Root goes level with Ricky Ponting after 2nd Ashes 100 in Australia

England batter Joe Root managed to double his centuries tally in Ashes Tests in Australia in the 2025-26 series. Root had scored his maiden Ashes century in the ‘Pink Ball’ Test at the Gabba last month and notched up just his second century down under on Day 2 of the fifth and final Ashes 2026 Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday.

Root also equaled former Australia captain Ricky Ponting’s Test record with his 41st century in this format of the game. The former England captain notched up his highest Test score in Australia – 160 off 242 balls – with 15 boundaries as England were bowled out for 384 in the first innings.

However, the home team hit back through their in-form batter and opener Travis Head, who became the first batter in the Ashes 2025-26 to go past 500 runs. Head is currently the leading run-scorer in the series with 528 runs as he remained unbeaten on 91 off 87 balls as Australians went to stumps on the second day at 166 for 2 with England skipper Ben Stokes claiming both the wickets.