Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes Joe Root is yet to tick all the boxes despite the star batsman scripting history during the ongoing second Test against England at Lord’s.

Joe Root has become the leading hundred-scorer for England in Test cricket after smashing his record-breaking 34th 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 claimed 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 unticked

Michael Vaughan, 49, believes this achievement is the final missing piece to cement Root’s legacy as one of the finest batsmen of his generation. Root, who first stepped onto Australian turf during the 2013-14 Ashes series, has been a prolific run-scorer at the world level but is yet to surpass the century mark in Australia’s difficult conditions.

In 14 Tests in Australia, the English right-handed batsman 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.

As the world heaped praise on Joe Root, Vaughan highlighted Root’s unfinished business, stressing the need for the batting maestro to conquer the final frontier of his career to cement his legacy as one of England’s greatest batsmen.

Well, Joe Root will get a great chance to complete the challenge thrown at him by Vaughan when England tour Australia for The Ashes 2025 and etch his name even in the history books. Notably, the English batsman also became the sixth batsman 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 missing from his game is that big century in Australia. But I can’t imagine him not getting into three figures in next year’s Ashes in Australia.”

Meanwhile, Vaughan has declared Root as England’s greatest batsman 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 batsmen.

In addition to his impressive hundred-run tally, Joe Root is now just 96 runs away from surpassing 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 that his success is not simply a result of aggressive play but a testament to his refined batting technique and ability.

Michael Vaughan has not only highlighted Root’s exploits on the field but also his exemplary role as a player and individual, emphasising that the former captain’s achievements and character make him England’s greatest batsman.

And he concluded by saying: “It wasn’t because of a knock, a blow or a crash. It was because of pure technique and skill. He’s the best because he’s also a wonderful role model. He’s a fantastic person and a great player.”