Joe Root his first golden duck in his ODI career. The 5th ODI was better for Root as he scored a quick 21 before being bowled and also took the wicket of George Bailey. England lost the series 2–1 and Root finished the series with 36 runs and 1 wicket. Root was selected for the 2013-14 Ashes series. He was selected at number 6 for the first Test as Michael Carberry was given the opening batsman role alongside Alastair Cook. Root only managed 2 runs from 7 balls in the first innings before being caught off a Mitchell Johnson delivery. In the
Joe Root bat at number 3 for the first ODI, however he only made 3 runs before getting out from an LBW. He also took the wicket of David Warner as Australia cruised to a 6 wicket victory. England kept faith with the out of form Root and he played in the second ODI, however he only made 2 runs before Mitchell Johnson got him out via an LBW. He did contribute with ball by taking the wickets of Shaun Marsh and Michael Clarke. Root was dropped for the third and fourth ODI's due to poor form. He was recalled for the