England’s Joe Root has rewritten the record books, becoming the highest individual scorer against Australia in day/night Tests. He surpassed Pakistan’s Asad Shafiq, who set the mark of 137 at the Gabba in 2016.
Root’s unbeaten 138 helped England reach 334, despite losing wickets at regular intervals. His innings also eclipsed South Africa’s Faf du Plessis’ 118* in Adelaide 2016, placing him atop the list of top scores in pink-ball Tests against Australia.
Highest Individual Scores vs Australia in Day/Night Tests
Score
Player
Venue
Year
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
After a slow start to the series, having managed just 8 runs in the first Test, Root displayed remarkable composure, facing 206 balls.
He formed a pivotal partnership with Zak Crawley, rescuing England from 5-2 following Ollie Pope’s early dismissal. Crawley contributed 76 off 93 deliveries, hitting 11 boundaries, while Jofra Archer added a quickfire 38 off 36 balls, including two sixes.
England’s middle order, however, struggled as Ben Stokes (19), Jamie Smith (0), and Harry Brook (31) all fell cheaply.
Australia’s attack was led by Mitchell Starc, who took six wickets for 75 runs in 20 overs. The Aussie pacer also made headlines after he surpassed the great Wasim Akram’s Test wicket tally of 414.
At the time of this writing, Australia has managed to surpass England’s first innings total of 334 as they look to extend their first innings lead in the ongoing Gabba Test.
