The one blemish in England’s greatest Test cricketer’s career is his battle to reach that elusive century down-under, but the Chair at Joe Root’s boyhood Sheffield club believes “he will come good in Australia.”

Mark Longley, of Sheffield Collegiate Cricket Club (SCCC), has spoken out in support of the Yorkshire-born batter saying ‘he’s done it everywhere else’ and there’s no reason why he can’t achieve his dream in Australia.

The 2025-26 Ashes began last week, reigniting the discussion around Root, after England’s painful defeat in Perth.

The 34-year-old has a staggering 39 test centuries and has topped the ICC Test batting rankings on nine occasions. 

The Ashes are the only mark on Root’s career, as he is yet to score a hundred on Australian shores, with a high score of 89 from the 2021-22 series in Brisbane.

Over an international career spanning 13 years, Root has collected a staggering 13,551 Test match runs for England.

This is only topped by India legend Sachin Tendulkar’s 15,921 runs, which is in chasing distance for the Sheffield batter.

The success Root has enjoyed in international cricket would not have been possible without help he secured from his home side, SCCC, supplying him with the skills to succeed on the global stage and achieve his well-deserved title of England greatest ever cricketer.

Based at Abbeydale Park in Dore, Sheffield, Root spent his junior years at the club learning his trade.

“I saw him grow up at the club,” said Mr Longley. “He was always very keen and would regularly stay in the nets until beyond dark.

“Joe was an orthodox player and you were not going to get him out. Teams made it harder for him to score before he gained power and a range of shots.”

SCCC has a remarkable alumni; 2005 Ashes winning captain Michael Vaughan, international cricket umpire Richard Kettleborough, and Joe’s brother and Glamorgan player, Billy Root having all played for the side.

Longley explained there is a strong focus on developing junior players at the club, leading to high end talent being produced.

Root’s first taste of senior action came when he was just 11-years-old, highlghting his determination.

Mr Longley believes it was Root’s “hunger to learn and keep on improving,” developing his talent into becoming one of the world’s best players.

Joe Root’s success as a professional

Root’s success in every country apart from Australia is what undoubtedly makes him an England great. Even in Australia, his record is not terrible with nine half centuries and an average of 33.3.

However, compared to an overall test average of 50.94, it is evident why pressure is being heaped onto him.

Build up to the current Ashes series was dominated by negative. Headlines from the Western Australia press, labelled Root “Average Joe”.

His 15 test matches in Australia are the longest ever winless streak by an England player.

Questions have always been asked about whether Australian conditions suit Root’s style of play, and with a miserly return in the first Test match at Perth, pressure has been mounting with a less favourable pink ball match up next in Brisbane. 

Sheffield’s finest still holds immense influence in local community

Root’s mindset has been described as “hugely professional with one of the smallest egos I have ever seen in a player,” by Mr Longley, who watched Joe grow up at SCCC.

The cricketer who hails from Dore still remains a huge figure at SCCC. He recently attended a club dinner to raise money for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, supporting the club which elevated Root into his hugely successful career.

Mr Longley also added there is immense respect for him at the club, and when Root visits it feels like he is “just one of the dads at the bar” as nobody swamps him for photos. 

As a local Sheffielder, Root grew up in the sporting arena. He attended the same secondary school, King Ecgbert’s, as Olympic Gold medallist and three time World Champion Heptathlete, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill.

Mr Longley believes “having a go the earlier the better” is important for engaging kids with the sport and potentially finding the talent.

Honest assessment required after Perth batting horror show

The current Ashes series is the perfect opportunity for Root to prove his doubters wrong and score that elusive century in Australia that has haunted him for 12 years.

On England’s Ashes chances, Mr Longley said: “England must reflect on their poor batting performance,” and does not believe the narrative that head coach Brendon McCullum thought that the team scored well in the first test.

They only batted for 67.5 overs across two innings, with many describing some of the shots played as reckless.

The consensus amongst many England fans was that the performance did not live up to expectation, and denial from McCullum will only add fuel to the fire in this high stakes series. 

“There are a few more twists and turns ahead,” said Mr Longley as the five match series gives him hope, adding: “Joe will deliver, I am sure of it.”

The positivity from a long-time friend of Joe provides a change from the negative thoughts echoing from the media, which are driven by England’s extremely poor record in Australia since winning the 2010-11 version. 

With an away Ashes hundred and victory being the only achievements stopping Root from reaching cricketing immortality (if he is not there already), there will be the drive and determination required no matter what the approach England decide to take.

Mitchell Johnson, the former Australia fast bowler, said in The Times: “To be considered a great, you probably need to have scored a hundred in each of the main Test-playing countries.

“He knows what he’s achieved and people who have played against him know what he’s achieved, but he’ll surely be disappointed if he doesn’t make that score.”

Root’s career has been on an upwards trajectory since he reached his 30s, averaging 56.11 since the beginning of 2021.

His adaptability is displayed from opening the batting for England when he broke into the team, to finding his suited position at number four later on in his career.

So, maybe it’s still a tad premature to label England’s greatest cricketer “Average Joe”.