Humble Root gets his first ton at last on Australian turf

ZAK Crawley paid tribute to England's “humble” hero Joe Root after he finally celebrated his first Test century on Australian soil.

- By RORY DOLLARD Cricket correspondent

England's Joe Root celebrates reaching his century in Brisbane

He may be England's record run-scorer, and second only to Sachin Tendulkar on the all-time list, but Root was branded a “dud” by the local media on arrival Down Under having failed to score a Test hundred in 15 appearances dating back 13 years.

Scores of nought and eight in a losing cause in the series opener at Perth placed him firmly in the spotlight for this day-night second Test at the Gabba but he responded by laying hands on his own Holy Grail.

Arriving at the crease with England in deep trouble at five for two, he batted through to the end of a thrilling day to finish unbeaten on 135 in a competitive score of 325 for nine.

It was the 40th time he has reached three figures but given his own circumstances, and that of his team, it was perhaps his most meaningful.