Joe Root and Ravichandran Ashwin have faced each other many times in international cricket, especially in Test matches. Root is known for his solid batting, while Ashwin is one of the best spinners in the world. Their matchups have often been key moments in India vs England games.
In this article, we look at how Root has performed against Ashwin across all formats — Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. We break down the stats year by year, including runs, dismissals, strike rates, and more, to see how this battle between bat and ball has played out over time.
Joe Root vs Ravichandran Ashwin Head-to-Head Stats Summary
Joe Root has faced Ravichandran Ashwin in all three formats – Tests, ODIs, and T20Is – and has generally performed well against one of India’s premier spinners.
Across 858 deliveries, Root has scored 538 runs, being dismissed 9 times. He has hit 46 fours and 4 sixes, playing out 529 dot balls.
Format | Runs | Balls | Outs | Dots | 4s/6s | Avg | SR |
Test | 437 | 719 | 7 | 459 | 40/3 | 60.8 | 62.4 |
ODI | 97 | 134 | 2 | 69 | 6/1 | 72.4 | 48.5 |
T20I | 4 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0/0 | 80.0 | - |
Total | 538 | 858 | 9 | 529 | 46/4 | - | - |
Root vs Ashwin: Year-by-Year Head to Head Stats in Tests
In Tests, Root has scored 437 runs from 719 balls, getting out 7 times. He’s maintained a healthy average of 62.4 and a strike rate of 60.8, showing his ability to play spin with control and patience. Root has hit 40 fours and 3 sixes against Ashwin in the longest format.
Year | Runs | Balls | Outs | Dots | 4s | 6s | Avg | SR |
2012 | 31 | 74 | 0 | 53 | 1 | 1 | - | 41.9 |
2014 | 31 | 41 | 0 | 22 | 3 | 0 | - | 75.6 |
2016 | 149 | 232 | 2 | 148 | 17 | 0 | 74.5 | 64.2 |
2018 | 40 | 75 | 1 | 56 | 4 | 0 | 40.0 | 53.3 |
2021 | 109 | 161 | 2 | 95 | 9 | 2 | 54.5 | 67.7 |
2024 | 77 | 136 | 2 | 85 | 6 | 0 | 38.5 | 56.6 |
Total | 437 | 719 | 7 | 459 | 40 | 3 | 62.4 | 60.8 |
Root vs Ashwin: Year-by-Year Head to Head Stats in ODIs
In ODIs, Root has scored 97 runs off 134 balls and has been dismissed twice by Ashwin.
Year | Runs | Balls | Outs | Dots | 4s | 6s | Avg | SR |
2013 | 53 | 70 | 1 | 36 | 3 | 1 | 53.0 | 75.7 |
2014 | 21 | 42 | 0 | 26 | 1 | 0 | - | 50.0 |
2017 | 23 | 22 | 1 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 23.0 | 104.5 |
Total | 97 | 134 | 2 | 69 | 6 | 1 | 48.5 | 72.4 |
Root vs Ashwin - Year-by-Year Head to Head Stats in T20Is
Root and Ashwin have faced off just once in T20Is — in 2014 — where Root scored 4 runs off 5 balls and wasn’t dismissed by him.
Year | Runs | Balls | Outs | Dots | 4s | 6s | Avg | SR |
2014 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | 80.0 |
Total | 4 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | 80.0 |
Reference: The stats are taken from the Cricmetric
Verdict: Joe Root vs Ashwin - Who has the edge?
In this battle of skill and patience, Joe Root has had the slight upper hand, especially in Test cricket, where he averages over 62 against Ashwin across 7 dismissals. His ability to handle spin with calm and control has been key to his success.
In ODIs, the contest is more balanced. Root has scored steadily but Ashwin has managed to dismiss him twice in limited chances. Their T20I encounter was too short to draw any conclusions.
Overall, Root’s consistent performances, particularly in Tests, give him the edge in this high-quality rivalry.
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