Joe Root believes he is better positioned than ever to score his first Test century in Australia as he prepares to help England attempt to reclaim The Ashes.

Root expects scrutiny over his lack of an Ashes hundred abroad ahead of the series, which starts in Perth on November 21, but insists his main focus remains on team success.

His highest Test score in Australia to date is 89, achieved in the 2021-22 series opener at Brisbane — one of nine fifties he has made Down Under. Root, who carried the burden of captaincy on his previous two tours, can now concentrate primarily on his batting.

Since the 2021-22 Ashes, which England lost 4-0, Root has accumulated 16 Test centuries and nearly 4,000 runs in 44 matches, averaging 57.14.

On This Day in 2024…

Joe Root made history by becoming England’s all-time leading run-scorer in Test cricket

The pic.twitter.com/VuZxTAxIBD

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) October 9, 2025

Speaking to Sky Sports, Root said: "I feel I am in a different place to when I last went out there. I haven't got the responsibility of captaincy, and I am a lot more experienced.

"I have had a good couple of years coming in, and I have learned good lessons from my previous tours there as a batter and senior player.

"I am sure there is going to be a lot of talk around [him not scoring a hundred yet], but I feel ready for it. Big series are the ones you want to play in and contribute in. You dream of going down to Australia as a kid. To get the honour of playing in a series like that never wears away."

The former England captain has averaged 35.68 in Australia over 14 Test matches, having made his away debut in Brisbane in 2013.

"You want to create memories with the guys that you can share for the rest of your lives," Root added. 

"I feel that is the opportunity in front of us that we have to chase and grab. If I am doing my role in the team, then personal accolades will come, but it's not the main focus.

"It's about winning that urn back, as it has been a long time since we held it. I feel we have some serious resources to take out there and hit Australia with.

"Hopefully, we can get that right, so if I am scoring heavily, it gives us a chance."