Joe Root doesn’t have great record in Australia, managing just 892 runs at an average of 35.68, with his highest score being 89.
Mind games have begun with exactly 10 days left for the start of the much-awaited Ashes.
Mind games have begun with exactly 10 days left for the start of the much-awaited Ashes between Australia and England. The Australian media is back at it once again, targetting opposition players ahead of a big series. Last year, the Indian team was subject to some harsh criticism, especially star batter Virat Kohli, ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. And, with days remaining for the start of the 1st Test in Perth, the focus has now shifted towards England icon Joe Root.
Unlike Kohli, Root doesn’t have great record in Australia, managing just 892 runs at an average of 35.68, with his highest score being 89. He is yet to score a century Down Under in 27 Test innings.
As Root landed in Perth on Monday (IST), The West Australian were quick to remind him of the same, and further summarised his record on Australian soil, saying, “Dud Root Down Under: Hero in the homeland but pretender in Australia. The stats that haunt England’s greatest batter ahead of Ashes showdown.”
Earlier, The West Australian had taken a sharp dig at England captain Stokes, calling him, “Cocky captain complainer.”
“England’s cocky captain complainer still smarting from ‘crease-gate’, lands in Perth early thinking dopey ‘Bazball’ can take the Ashes,” the West Australian stated.
During the last tour to Australia during 2021-22, when England were thrashed 4-0, Root top-scored for the side with 322 runs in five matches and 10 innings at an average of 32.20, with three fifties.
The Ashes series in Australia will be an extremely crucial one for England. For England, this will be their chance to win the first away Ashes series since 2011 and their first overall since 2015.
Root is the second-highest run-getter in the format with 13,543 runs and 39 centuries.
David Pastrnak, the electrifying alternate captain of the Boston Bruins, has officially etched his name further into the annals of NHL history. On November 12, 2025, during a dominant 44-22 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pastrnak scored his 400th career goal, marking another incredible achievement in a career filled with jaw-dropping moments.
Another Milestone for Pasta!
While the Bruins were comfortably ahead 3-1 in the second period, Pastrnak wasn’t content to just coast through the game. With less than a minute gone in the period, he took a pass from Morgan Geekie at the blue line and skated into the offensive zone all alone. What followed was classic Pastrnak: with ice in his veins, he patiently danced around Maple Leafs goalie Dennis Hildeby, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. When the opportunity finally presented itself, Pastrnak made no mistake, tucking the puck into the net and securing his 400th goal.
The TD Garden crowd erupted in joy, giving Pastrnak the ovation he deserved. His teammates were quick to swarm him in celebration, with Fraser Minten the first to embrace him. It was a perfect moment, one that reflected both Pastrnak’s incredible skill and his ability to deliver when it matters most.
“I JUST WANTED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY WHEN IT CAME. IT FEELS GREAT TO REACH 400 GOALS, BUT I KNOW THERE’S MORE TO COME.” — David Pastrnak
But Pastrnak’s contribution didn’t end there. Earlier in the game, he assisted on the Bruins’ opening goal, a shot by Pavel Zacha that kickstarted the team’s offensive explosion. Pastrnak’s all-around play continues to be a hallmark of his career — not just scoring, but setting up plays and being a constant threat in all situations.
Off to a Hot Start in 2025
Pastrnak has started the 2025 season on fire, already racking up eight goals and 11 assists in just 17 games. A significant portion of his production has come on the power play, where he’s scored three of his goals. His offensive explosion has been a key reason the Bruins are sitting comfortably near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
While his production slowed slightly in recent games, Pastrnak has rediscovered his touch, scoring in back-to-back games. This is a huge sign for the Bruins, who are relying on Pastrnak’s continued excellence to carry them through the season. With his ability to score in multiple ways, whether it’s with a slap shot, a wrister, or his trademark patience in front of the net, Pastrnak remains one of the most dangerous players in the NHL.
As the Bruins continue to build towards the playoffs, the value of having Pastrnak at the peak of his game cannot be overstated. With his 400th career goal, he’s further solidified his place as one of the best to ever wear the Bruins jersey, but knowing Pastrnak, he’s far from finished. The best may still be yet to come.