When Joe Root finally brought up his long-awaited first Test century on Australian soil — a classy, hard-earned ton in the Pink Ball Test at the Gabba — celebrations erupted among his family. But what Root’s parents revealed afterwards made the moment even more special: Joe Root’s connection to the Ashes began even before he was born.
Root’s father, in an interview after the knock, recalled a now-legendary family moment from Christmas 1990. His wife was heavily pregnant and suddenly went into labour at home. But instead of panicking or rushing immediately to the hospital, she had one unusual request:
“She’s in labour… but she said — Don’t turn off the commentary!”
They were listening to the Melbourne Test of the 1990 Ashes, and despite the contractions, Joe Root’s mother insisted on keeping the radio on. His father remembers laughing and calling it “the most English childbirth ever — my son was introduced to the Ashes even before he opened his eyes.”
Years later, that unborn child would grow into one of England’s finest batters of all time — but with one glaring gap in his record. Despite dominating in almost every cricketing nation, Australia had remained his toughest challenge. He had spent 12 years and 29 innings trying — and failing — to reach three figures Down Under.
That’s why Root’s hundred at the Gabba wasn’t just another milestone.
For his parents, it was the closing of a circle that began in a small living room in 1990 — with Ashes commentary playing in the background as Joe entered the world.
“He was born into the Ashes. Literally,” his father said with a smile. “So watching him finally get that century in Australia… it felt like destiny.”
Root’s ton wasn’t just a personal triumph. It was a moment 34 years in the making — a family story, a sporting prophecy, and a long-pending dream fulfilled on Australian soil.
