Resolution criteria

The market resolves based on when Joe Root announces his retirement from Test cricket. Resolution will be determined by official statements from Root, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), or major cricket news outlets (ESPNcricinfo, Sky Sports Cricket, BBC Sport).

• End of 2025-26 Ashes: Resolves YES if Root retires after the final Test concludes on January 8, 2026

• End 2025-26 Ashes: Same as above

• End of India's Tour in 2029: Resolves YES if Root retires after England's Test series against India concludes in 2029

• 2029/2030 Ashes: Resolves YES if Root retires after the Ashes series in Australia concludes (scheduled November 2029-January 2030)

If Root retires at any other time, the market resolves to "Other."

Background

Joe Root is currently 36 years old as of 2026. He is the leading run-scorer among active batsmen and the second highest run-scorer of all time in Test cricket. Root has no plans to retire and could happily play through to the 2027 Ashes and beyond if his body continues to hold up.

Root has expressed uncertainty about whether he will still be playing Test cricket for the 2029-30 Ashes tour of Australia, when he will be 39. When asked about playing in the 2029/30 Ashes, Root stated "Who knows? We'll see. I'd love to, but we'll see how things unfold".

Considerations

Root has demonstrated remarkable durability throughout his career. He has never missed a Test through injury, playing in 147 of England's 149 Tests since his debut, with the two exceptions due to being dropped and the birth of his second child. However, his retirement timing remains genuinely uncertain—he has consistently avoided committing to specific endpoints, suggesting the decision will depend on fitness, form, and personal circumstances rather than a predetermined date.