“When you go to Australia…” - Joe Root given brutal ‘Virat Kohli-like retirement’ warning before Ashes

Modern-era batting legend Joe Root has turned into England’s run-machine in Test cricket after the COVID-19 era and scored mountains of runs that put him closer to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s world record in Test cricket.

Joe Root is probably the finest Test batter of this generation. The right-handed batter scored 6080 runs and 22 centuries since the World Test Championship began. His ability to adapt to conditions around the world has made him a nightmare for bowlers.

Joe Root chasing Sachin Tendulkar’s legacy, but Australia remains his biggest Test

But even with all his achievements, Root has not yet smashed a Test hundred in Australia. Across 27 innings Down Under, the former England captain has managed 892 runs at an average of 35.68, with nine half-centuries but no three-figure score.

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For a player of Joe Root’s stature, missing a century in Australia has often been disappointing for the batter. Now, all eyes are on the upcoming Ashes in Australia later this year. Former England spinner Monty Panesar has made a bold statement that Root’s career could hit a rough patch if he fails in Australia in the upcoming Ashes series.

Panesar cited the example of Virat Kohli, who struggled badly in Australia against the ball outside off stump, which later became a turning point in his Test career. Panesar warned that one poor series in Australia could lead to big questions not just about Root’s form but even about England’s leadership and coaching setup if results go against them in the Ashes.

Monty Panesar warns Joe Root ahead of Ashes

Monty Panesar was quoted as saying by India Today: “It really depends on how next year goes for him, how the Ashes go. We saw very much with Virat Kohli, right? He went to Australia, and he just didn't know what to do with that ball outside 4th and 5th stump. I think that kind of led to his decision or a collective decision for him to retire. And yeah, if Joe Root doesn't have a good Ashes series and it goes really bad for him.

Suddenly, all it takes is one series, and you look, and it's a different ball game altogether. England could lose their coach and their captain; if it's a very bad series, a few jobs could be done. Suddenly people begin questioning, is he past his best? So, it's very important when you go to Australia; it doesn't matter how good you are, you've got to perform in Australia.”

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Monty Panesar raises doubts over Joe Root’s century drought in Australia

Even Panesar expressed doubts about Root finally breaking his century drought in Australia. Facing one of the most lethal bowling attacks on bouncy Australian pitches, the challenge will be tougher than ever, but still, the former spinner feels Joe will have his chance to score a hundred in Adelaide or Melbourne, depending on the conditions, especially given his form.

He signed off by saying, “It's going to be very difficult for him because he's going to be facing a strong Australian attack, and this is probably one of the strongest bowling attacks we've seen. Well, he's got a chance, but it'd be a little bit difficult for him.”