England’s veteran batter Joe Root has said that he is ready to end his long-standing drought of not scoring a Test century in Australia during the Ashes series that begins next month. Root has played 27 innings in Australia, but hasn’t reached the three-figure mark even once. He has nine fifties there – his highest score of 89 coming on the last away Ashes in Brisbane way back in 2021.

“But I feel ready for it,” Root said. “Big series are the ones you want to play in and contribute in.”

“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,” the 34-year-old told Sky Sports. “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.”

Joe Root also opined on England’s chances of winning their first away Ashes series since 2011 and said not to be swayed by personal accolades as well.

“I feel that is the opportunity in front of us that we have to chase and grab,” he added. “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,” he said. “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.”

The first match of the five-match series will take place on November 21 in Perth.