Former England captain Joe Root inched closer to a monumental batting record held by Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, notching up his 67th half-century in Test cricket. This crucial knock came on the opening day of the fifth and final Ashes 2025-26 Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
England's Rocky Start and Root's Rescue Act
Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, England's innings got off to a disastrous start. The visiting team's top order crumbled under pressure from the Australian pace attack, finding themselves in deep trouble at 57 for 3 by the 13th over. The situation demanded a calm and experienced head, and Joe Root, alongside the talented Harry Brook, stepped up to the challenge.
The duo formed a resilient partnership, carefully negotiating the Australian bowlers and steering their team away from a potential collapse. While they had their share of nervous moments and close calls, their unbroken stand for the fourth wicket grew past 150 runs, stabilising the innings and giving England a fighting chance in the series decider.
Chasing a Legend: The Tendulkar Milestone
Root's composed fifty, his second of the ongoing Ashes series following one in the Brisbane Test, carried significant historical weight. With this innings, the English batting maestro is now just one half-century away from equalling Sachin Tendulkar's all-time record of 68 fifties in Test cricket. This achievement highlights Root's remarkable consistency and longevity at the highest level of the game, placing him in the rarefied company of batting greats.
Context and Significance of the SCG Fightback
The unbeaten partnership between Root and Brook not only rescued England from a precarious position but also shifted the momentum on Day 1. Their effort ensured that the early advantage gained by the Australian bowlers was neutralised, setting up an intriguing battle for the remaining days of the Test match. This fightback was crucial for England's hopes of ending the Ashes tour on a high note at the iconic SCG.
As the day ended with England's scoreboard looking healthier thanks to this key partnership, all eyes will be on Joe Root as he aims to convert his fifty into a big hundred and, in the process, draw level with one of cricket's most revered records held by Sachin Tendulkar.
