Michael Vaughan explains why Joe Root's legacy is still incomplete

Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes that Joe Root has not yet checked all the boxes despite the star batter scripting the history during the ongoing second Test against England at Lord’s.

Joe Root became the leading century scorer for England in Test cricket after smashing his 34th ton at Lord’s. With his incredible performance at Lord’s, the former England captain achieved several milestones in the longest format of the game, but Vaughan asserted that despite his illustrious career, one crucial milestone remains elusive—a Test century on Australian soil.

Joe Root's record-breaking century at Lord's still leaves one box unchecked

The 49-year-old Michael Vaughan believes that this achievement is the final piece needed to cement Root’s legacy as one of the greatest batters of his generation. Root, who first set foot on Australian turf during the 2013-14 Ashes series, has been a prolific run-scorer globally but has yet to crack a century in the challenging conditions Down Under.

Over 14 Tests in Australia, the right-handed English batter has so far amassed 892 runs, including nine half-centuries, with a top score of 89. Despite these impressive figures, the elusive century in Australia has been a notable absence from Root’s record in Test cricket.

When the entire world signed praise for Joe Root, Vaughan highlighted Root’s unfinished business, stressing the need for the batting maestro to conquer the final frontier in his career to cement his legacy as one of the greatest England batters.

Well, Joe Root will have the great opportunity to complete the challenge thrown by Vaughan when England tour Australia for the Ashes 2025 and etch his name even in history books. Notably, the English batter also became the joint-sixth batter to have the most Test runs.

Michael Vaughan urges Root to complete his legacy with a century in Australia

Michael Vaughan said on BBC Test Match Special: “The only thing that's missing in his game is that big hundred in Australia. But I can't imagine he won't get three figures in the Ashes next year in Australia.”

Meanwhile, Vaughan has declared Root as England’s greatest batter following his historic achievement of his 34th Test century. At 33, Root has surpassed Sir Alastair Cook's record of 33 Test centuries, setting a new benchmark for English batters.

In addition to his impressive century tally, Joe Root is now just 96 runs away from overtaking Cook’s record of 12,472 Test runs for England. Given his current form, Root can easily overtake Cook and become England’s all-time leading run scorer in Test cricket.

He's a wonderful role model: Vaughan on Root

The commentator praised Joe Root's exceptional technique and skill, saying his success is not merely a result of aggressive play but a testament to his refined batting technique and ability.

Michael Vaughan has not only highlighted Root's on-field feats but also his exemplary role as a player and individual, emphasizing that the former skipper’s achievements and character make him England’s finest batter.

He signed off by saying, “It's not been through crash, bang, or wallop. It's been through pure technique and ability. He is the greatest because he's a wonderful role model as well. He's a fantastic person and a great player.”