England’s campaign to retain the Ashes took an early hit in Perth, as key batsman Joe Root fell for a duck in the first match against Australia. The dismissal marks the ninth time Root has been out for zero against the Aussies, a noteworthy statistic in cricket’s oldest and most celebrated rivalry. This setback for the visitors adds pressure as they look to overcome a historically dominant Australian side on home soil and avoid falling behind in the five-match series.
Perth: England’s Joe Root has entered a dubious record book following a disappointing performance in the first match of the Ashes series against Australia. Root was dismissed for a duck, adding his name to the list of players to fall for zero against the Aussies.
Root has now been dismissed for a duck nine times in matches against Australia, equaling the same unfortunate tally as Indian star Virat Kohli. This latest dismissal continues a frustrating run for Root, who is still searching for a maiden century in the series.
The record for most ducks against Australia remains with West Indies legend Courtney Walsh, who was out for zero a total of 16 times. Other Indian players to feature on the list include Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Harbhajan Singh. Root’s dismissal in Perth came courtesy of Mitchell Starc.
The Ashes series is one of cricket’s most fiercely contested rivalries, and this early setback for Root adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing battle between England and Australia. The result leaves England seeking a response in the upcoming matches as they attempt to regain control of the series.
