Joe Root Test century milestones continue to stack up as the cricketing legend reaches yet another landmark in the England vs Pakistan Test series. Root’s 35th Test century, scored on the third day of the match in Multan, showcases his relentless pursuit of excellence and brings him closer to becoming England’s all-time leading run-scorer.
This performance further cements his status as one of the greatest Test cricketers in history, alongside icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting.
Root’s achievement, while extraordinary, was no surprise to those who have followed his career. In this post, we’ll delve into the significance of this latest milestone, how it fits into his career trajectory, and what lies ahead for England’s modern cricket great.
Root’s Focus: Milestones Are the By-Product of Bigger Ambitions
Before this Test, Joe Root had downplayed the importance of surpassing Alastair Cook to become England’s top run-scorer, calling it “irrelevant” and suggesting that his goals are more team-oriented.
However, his subtle celebration after scoring his 35th Test century tells a different story about his desire to continually achieve more. After driving Aamer Jamal down the ground to reach 71 runs, Root briefly waved to the dressing room before returning to his job. His focus on team success over individual milestones was evident throughout the innings.
For Root, this century wasn’t about the record alone. He stated before the match, “I’d like to get more than that in this game,” and true to his word, he battled the scorching South Punjab heat to score 176 by the close of play. His innings helped put England in a dominant position in the Test, reflecting his ongoing dedication to the team’s cause. You can follow the full England vs Pakistan Test series and check the team squads for more updates.
Paying Tribute to Graham Thorpe: Root’s Mentor
One of the most poignant moments of Joe Root’s 35th Test century was his tribute to the late Graham Thorpe. After raising his bat, Root kissed the badge on his helmet and looked to the skies, acknowledging the man who was instrumental in his early cricketing career.
Thorpe, who passed away in August, had advocated for Root’s first Test call-up in 2012 and played a significant role in his development as a top-order batter.
This emotional connection between Root and Thorpe goes beyond cricket; it highlights the importance of mentorship in sports. Thorpe’s influence on Root has shaped his approach, particularly on how to adapt to different conditions something he demonstrated to perfection against Pakistan’s spin attack in Multan.
Mastering Subcontinental Conditions: Root’s Adaptability
A key reason for Joe Root’s Test century milestones is his remarkable adaptability. Though he grew up playing on the seaming pitches of Yorkshire, Root has evolved into England’s best player of spin, a skill that was on full display in Multan. Facing Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed, Root methodically milked singles, twos, and threes, demonstrating why he remains one of the toughest batsmen to bowl to in such conditions.
Instead of relying on boundaries, Root showcased his ability to rotate the strike and keep Pakistan’s bowlers under constant pressure. His 277-ball knock contained only 12 boundaries but featured a staggering 75 singles, seven threes, and 16 twos. It was a slow-burning masterclass of batting patience and precision—one that may not translate well into a highlights reel but is invaluable in a Test match.
Joe Root’s Stamina: Pushing Through Physical Limits
Root’s ability to bat for long periods has been a hallmark of his career, and his performance in Multan was no exception. After spending nearly three full days on the field, Root was visibly drained. Despite dealing with cramp and exhaustion, he soldiered on, spending only eight balls off the field across the entire innings.
His ability to maintain mental clarity, even in such physically challenging conditions, is one of the reasons why Joe Root Test century milestones keep coming.
Ben Duckett emphasized Root’s physical and mental toughness, saying, “To bat through the whole day in that heat shows, mentally, how fit he is – and also physically.”
For cricket fans interested in the broader context of this match, you can check out the ICC World Test Championship match details for insights into how this innings impacts the series.
The Road Ahead: Root’s Next Milestone in Sight
With this 35th century, Joe Root is now tantalizingly close to another significant record: becoming the first Englishman to reach 20,000 international runs across all formats. Most of these runs have come in Test cricket, but Root’s contributions to England’s One Day International (ODI) success including the pivotal role he played in their 2019 World Cup win are equally noteworthy.
Root is also targeting a century and a Test win in Australia, two accomplishments that have eluded him so far. With the Ashes fast approaching, Root is eager to rectify this. Achieving these would not only bolster his already impressive CV but also potentially crown him as England’s greatest-ever Test batsman.
Longevity and Consistency: The Secrets Behind Joe Root’s Success
What sets Joe Root apart from many of his contemporaries is his ability to maintain consistency over an extended period. Root has played in 147 of England’s 149 Tests since his debut in 2012, missing only two due to personal reasons. His resilience and ability to stay injury-free have allowed him to continually contribute to the team’s success.
Since relinquishing the captaincy, Root’s batting has ascended to another level. While his tenure as captain was successful with an average of 46.44—Root has flourished without the added pressure, averaging an impressive 61.11 since stepping down. His commitment to continuous improvement, even after achieving so much, is what defines his career.
What’s Next for Joe Root?
Joe Root’s latest century not only brings him closer to surpassing Alastair Cook but also raises questions about whether he can surpass some of the greatest names in cricket. At his current rate, Root could easily pass Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and even Ricky Ponting within the next year. If he continues playing through the 2027 Ashes and beyond, he could even challenge Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 15,921 Test runs.
As Root continues to break records and reach new milestones, his hunger for success remains unquenchable. “Your best one is always your next one,” he said when asked where this century ranked among his previous 34. Root’s focus on the future is a testament to his mindset and dedication.
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