5 January 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : England’s batting great Joe Root once again etched his name into cricketing history with a magnificent century at the Sydney Cricket Ground, drawing level with former Australia captain Ricky Ponting on a major all-time record and putting several of Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary milestones firmly within sight. Root’s latest Ashes hundred not only anchored England’s innings under pressure but also reaffirmed his status as one of the modern era’s greatest Test batters.
Root’s century in Sydney marked another defining moment in his illustrious career. With this knock, he equalled Ricky Ponting’s tally of Test centuries, a benchmark long considered the domain of cricket’s elite. Ponting, widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest batters, set the standard during an era dominated by fierce competition and relentless bowling attacks. Root matching that figure highlights the consistency, adaptability, and longevity he has displayed across varying conditions and against the world’s best bowlers.
The significance of the Sydney century goes beyond mere numbers. The Ashes remains cricket’s most intense rivalry, and scoring hundreds in Australia has traditionally been one of the toughest challenges for visiting batters. Root’s ability to succeed in these conditions underlines his technical excellence and mental resilience. His calm shot selection, balance at the crease, and ability to rotate strike while punishing loose deliveries once again stood out.
As Root continues to pile on runs, comparisons with Sachin Tendulkar have grown increasingly unavoidable. Tendulkar’s records have long been viewed as untouchable, but Root’s sustained output has placed several of them within realistic reach. His average, conversion rate, and volume of runs scored in high-pressure series suggest that he could challenge Tendulkar’s overall Test run tally if he maintains fitness and form over the coming years.
Root’s journey has been defined by evolution. Early in his career, he was known primarily for elegance and timing. Over time, he has added layers to his game — greater patience, stronger defense, and an expanded scoring range. His ability to adapt his technique to different pitches, whether seaming conditions in England, spin-friendly surfaces in Asia, or fast, bouncy tracks in Australia, has been central to his success.
Equally important has been Root’s leadership experience. Having captained England through a demanding phase, he has emerged as a more mature batter, capable of absorbing pressure and guiding younger teammates. His performances in away series, particularly in Australia, India, and Sri Lanka, have enhanced his reputation as a complete Test cricketer.
Former players and analysts have praised Root’s temperament, often pointing out that his hunger for runs appears undiminished. Unlike some batters whose peak fades after their early thirties, Root has shown signs of improvement with age, combining experience with refined technique. His workload management and fitness regime have also played a key role in extending his prime years.
With several major series still ahead and England’s Test calendar offering ample opportunities, Root’s pursuit of Tendulkar’s records now seems less speculative and more plausible. While matching Tendulkar’s longevity remains a formidable challenge, Root’s current trajectory suggests that he will continue to climb the all-time charts.
For England, Root’s form provides both stability and inspiration. For cricket fans worldwide, it offers the rare privilege of witnessing a modern great steadily closing in on records once thought beyond reach. As the Ashes battle continues, Joe Root’s Sydney century may well be remembered as a defining chapter in one of Test cricket’s most remarkable careers.
Summary :
Joe Root’s Sydney Ashes century levels him with Ricky Ponting on the all-time Test centuries list, while his consistent run-scoring brings several of Sachin Tendulkar’s historic batting records within reac