PERTH, Australia (AP) — Joe Root received a typically tabloid reception ahead of the Ashes series opener in Perth, where the local newspaper described the star England batter as “Average Joe” due to one glaring ommision from his cricket CV.

The second-highest scorer in test cricket history hasn't scored a century in an Ashes test in Australia.

Indeed, as he embarks on his fourth Ashes tour Down Under, Root is aiming for his first win in a test match on Australian soil. His record to date stands at 12 losses and two draws.

Root posted three centuries and an unbeaten half century in the five-test home series against India in June and July.

He is No. 1 in the International Cricket Council's men's test batting rankings, and his ability to score runs in Australia could go a long way to

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