The Ashes 2023: Joe Root brings up his 30th Test century; 1st against Australia since August 2015

The Ashes 2023: During the first Ashes Test against Australia at Birmingham on Friday, England’s Joe Root hit his 30th century in a test match, passing the iconic Australian Donald Bradman’s record.

In terms of most Test hundreds, Root is currently tied with Mathew Hayden and Shivnarine Chanderpaul for 15th place.

England’s former captain once again came up trumps for his side, gets his 30th Test century in 145 balls, putting England firmly in the driving seat against Australia. The former England captain has scored four centuries in the Ashes.

Marcus Trescothick, Michael Gatting, and Michael Cowdrey, who each scored three centuries at Edgbaston, are currently tied for first place with the famous English batsman.

Seven fours and two sixes helped Root reach his century in 145 balls. up with Jonny Bairstow, he put up a sixth-wicket partnership of 121 runs.

Ben Stokes, the captain of England, decided to bat first after winning the toss earlier today.

The Ashes 2023 1st Test Day 1: England declare on 393/8 after Joe Root’s century

Joe Root has been the anchor for England’s innings after the fall of Zak Crawley, which marked the end of the first session of the day. Root shared a 70-run stand with Crawley for the second wicket before the latter fell 61 off 73. Root then put up 121 runs off just 140 balls for the fifth wicket before which came a 51-run stand with Harry Brook.

England maintained a run rate of more than Five for much of the day which meant that despite losing wickets, they have gone past 350 runs and look good enough to reach 400 before Stumps. Root eventually scored his century, thus becoming just the second English batter after his former captain Alastair Cook to score 30 Test tons. 

Also read: Joe Root vs Steve Smith Test Stats Comparison: Know Runs, Centuries, Ashes records

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