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Joe Root added another remarkable achievement to his illustrious career during the fourth Test of the Ashes series, etching his name among cricket’s all-time greats. With a modest contribution in England’s second innings at Melbourne, Root crossed the landmark of 22,000 international runs, becoming only the ninth batter in history to do so. This milestone places him alongside legends of the game who have dominated across formats and eras.

Root’s consistency over more than a decade at the highest level reflects not just longevity, but an ability to adapt to different conditions, opponents, and match situations. Although his individual scores in this series have not been as prolific as his best, the significance of reaching such a rare benchmark underlines his enduring value to England’s batting lineup.

Breaking Barriers on Australian Soil

One of the most notable aspects of Root’s recent performances has been his breakthrough century in Australia earlier in the series. Prior to this tour, the former England captain had never managed a hundred on Australian pitches, a gap that often drew attention given his success elsewhere. That changed when he produced a composed and authoritative unbeaten century in Brisbane, finally conquering one of the few remaining challenges of his career.

While his overall run tally across the four Tests has been moderate by his lofty standards, the century symbolised perseverance and adaptability. It also reinforced Root’s reputation as a batter who continues to evolve, even deep into his international journey.

England’s Memorable Victory at the MCG

Beyond individual milestones, the fourth Test will be remembered for England’s rare and historic triumph at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. On a surface that tested both batting and technique, England’s bowlers delivered disciplined performances to dismiss Australia cheaply in both innings.

Chasing a modest but tricky target in the fourth innings, England showed resilience and composure, building crucial partnerships at the top and in the middle order to seal a four-wicket victory. The win marked a significant moment for the visitors, ending a long drought of Test victories in Australia.

Although the Ashes series itself remains in Australia’s control, this result provided England with a morale-boosting success and a reminder of their ability to compete in challenging overseas conditions, with Joe Root’s milestone adding extra significance to the occasion.

This article first appeared on Cricfit and was syndicated with permission.

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