Joe Root Aims to Participate in Next Ashes Tour at 39

Former England captain Michael Atherton has praised Joe Root's 41st Test century, labeling it as "one of his very best innings". With England having secured their first win in Australia in 18 attempts, Root was asked if he could envision himself as part of the touring party in four years' time. While he expressed enthusiasm, he stopped short of declaring it an ambition. Root's focus remains on the current series, where he hopes to replicate the feeling of their recent win and create positive memories for the squad. His latest century has drawn praise from Atherton and Australian seamer Michael Neser, who described him as "one of the all-time greats". Root's 160 has helped England reach a first-innings total of 384, but Australia has responded strongly, reaching 166-2 by the close of play.