LONDON — In the afterglow of a monumental, series-saving century at Old Trafford, Joe Root has cast his gaze far beyond the immediate future, setting his sights on a distant and ambitious goal: the next Ashes tour of Australia in 2029-30. Should he make that journey, the former England captain would be 39 years old, a prospect that underscores both his enduring class and his unwavering passion for the ultimate Test rivalry.
Root’s majestic 84 in the second innings in Manchester, a masterclass in control and elegance under immense pressure, was his 20th Test century against Australia, drawing him level with the legendary Sir Jack Hobbs. More importantly, it helped secure a dominant victory that leveled the 2023 series and preserved England’s unbeaten home Ashes record since 2001. Yet, for Root, the hunger is far from sated. When asked about the possibility of returning to Australia in six years' time, his answer was unequivocal. "I’d love to," he stated, a declaration that will electrify English cricket fans.
A Veteran's Vision: Defying Father Time
The notion of a 39-year-old batsman touring Australia, with its ferocious pace, bounce, and grueling schedule, would be fanciful for most. But Root is not most players. His game, built on a pristine technique, nimble footwork, and an insatiable appetite for runs, appears less reliant on pure athleticism and more on timeless skill. He pointed to the examples set by modern greats who have excelled deep into their thirties. "You look at Jimmy [Anderson], you look at guys like [Steven] Smith, [Usman] Khawaja, Michael Clarke, all these guys who are older, they look after themselves," Root said.
His commitment to longevity is already evident. In recent years, Root has visibly bulked up his physique, adding strength to complement his touch, and has meticulously managed his workload, notably stepping away from the T20 franchise treadmill to prioritize Test cricket. This strategic focus on his body and schedule is a clear investment in an extended career. "I feel like I’m still improving as a player," he added, a chilling prospect for bowling attacks worldwide.
Unfinished Business Down Under
Root’s desire is undoubtedly fueled by a burning sense of unfinished business in Australia. While he boasts a stellar overall Ashes record—his recent century made him the highest run-scorer in the history of the England-Australia rivalry—his returns on Australian soil tell a different story. Across three tours (2013-14, 2017-18, 2021-22), Root has averaged a modest 35.85, with just two centuries in 18 innings. The memory of the 2021-22 series, a 4-0 drubbing where he scored a heroic 89* in a hopeless cause at the Gabba but faded thereafter, still lingers.
The 2029-30 tour represents a final, personal frontier. To conquer Australia in their own backyard is the pinnacle for any English cricketer, and for a player of Root’s stature, it remains the one glaring omission. The challenge would be monumental, requiring him to combat not only a fierce Australian attack but also the inevitable physical decline that comes with age. Key factors for such a mission would include:
- Physical Preservation: A continued, science-backed regimen focused on recovery, mobility, and maintaining fast-twitch responses.
- Technical Adaptation: Adjusting his game to potentially slower reflexes, perhaps by relying even more on his impeccable positioning and game sense.
- Role Evolution: Possibly batting lower in the order, much like Sachin Tendulkar or Jacques Kallis did in their twilight years.
- Mental Fortitude: Harnessing the vast experience of over 200 Test caps to outthink bowlers and conditions.
The Context of a Changing Landscape
Root’s ambition arrives at a fascinating juncture for English cricket. The ‘Bazball’ era under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum has reinvigorated the Test side with a thrilling, aggressive philosophy. Root has seamlessly adapted, evolving from the anchor to a dynamic, 360-degree stroke-player who can both stabilize and accelerate. His success within this framework is crucial to its sustainability. The question for the future will be whether this high-octane style can be successfully transplanted to Australian conditions, where extra bounce and pace often punish loose strokes.
Furthermore, the schedule between now and 2029 is a gauntlet. Before the next trip down under, England and Root would face:
- The next home and away Ashes series in 2025-26 and 2027.
- Multiple World Test Championship cycles and tours of the subcontinent.
- The relentless growth of global franchise leagues.
Navigating this while maintaining peak Test form into his late-30s will be Root’s greatest challenge. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will have a delicate balancing act in managing the workload of their premier batsman, potentially offering tailored rest periods from white-ball cricket to keep the Ashes dream alive.
A Legacy in the Making
Ultimately, Root’s statement is about more than just personal ambition; it is about legacy. He is already assured of a place among England’s all-time greats. A successful tour of Australia at 39, however, would elevate his story to the realm of the iconic, placing him alongside the likes of Sir Alastair Cook, who bowed out with a fairy-tale century in his final Test, but with an even more dramatic, transcontinental narrative. It would be the ultimate testament to his skill, dedication, and love for the game.
The cricketing world has learned not to doubt Joe Root. When he retired from the captaincy in 2022, many wondered if his best batting was behind him. He responded by producing the most prolific run-scoring form of his career. Now, by voicing his desire for the 2029-30 Ashes, he has thrown down a gauntlet to time itself. "I’d love to," were his simple words. For England supporters, and for lovers of Test cricket, the hope will be that in six winters' time, a veteran Joe Root walks out onto the Gabba or the MCG, with the same boyish enthusiasm and a bat still capable of crafting history.