Brisbane, December 5, 2025: England captain Joe Root smashed an unbeaten 138 to become the highest individual scorer against Australia in day/night Tests, surpassing Pakistan’s Asad Shafiq, who held the record with 137 since 2016.
Root’s innings, played off 206 balls with 15 fours and a six, came after a slow start to the series, rescuing England from 5-2 following early wickets, and helping the visitors post a total of 334 all out in 76.2 overs.
Opening batter Zak Crawley supported Root with a well-compiled 76 off 93 balls, while Jofra Archer contributed a brisk 38 off 36 balls. Despite Root’s heroics, England’s middle order faltered, with Ben Stokes (19), Jamie Smith (0), and Harry Brook (31) dismissed cheaply.
Australia’s Mitchell Starc led the attack, claiming 6/75 in 20 overs, while Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett, and Scott Boland picked up a wicket each.
The record-breaking innings places Root at the top of the highest individual scores in day/night Tests against Australia:
- 138 – Joe Root, Gabba 2025*
- 137 – Asad Shafiq, Gabba 2016
- 118* – Faf du Plessis, Adelaide 2016
- 113 – Yasir Shah, Adelaide 2019
- 104 – Stephen Cook, Adelaide 2016
At the time of reporting, Australia were 292-5 in 57 overs in reply. Jake Weatherald top-scored with 72 off 78 balls, while Marnus Labuschagne (65), skipper Steven Smith (61), and Cameron Green (45) steadied the innings. Wicketkeeper-batters Alex Carey and Josh Inglis were holding firm, keeping the hosts within 50 runs of England’s total.
Root’s innings not only broke a nine-year record but also underscored his resilience and ability to anchor the innings under pressure in challenging pink-ball conditions.
