England’s star batter Joe Root is making a name for himself as one of the greatest in Test cricket, breaking records and climbing up the ranks for the most Test runs and centuries.
Root Becomes England’s Leading Test Century-Maker
With his recent twin centuries in the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s, Joe Root has notched up 34 Test hundreds, surpassing Alastair Cook to become the leading century-maker for England in Test cricket. This achievement highlights Root’s consistent performance and his ability to deliver when it matters most.
A League of Legends: Root Joins the Elite List of Century-Makers
Root’s 34 centuries place him among cricket’s elite. Only five batters have more Test centuries than Root: Sachin Tendulkar (51), Jacques Kallis (45), Ricky Ponting (41), Kumar Sangakkara (38), and Rahul Dravid (36). Root now stands alongside legendary names like Sunil Gavaskar, Brian Lara, Mahela Jayawardene, and Younis Khan, each with 34 Test centuries.
Joining the Exclusive Lord’s Club
Root’s success in the Lord’s Test against Sri Lanka added him to another special list. He became only the fourth player to score centuries in both innings of a Test match at Lord’s. This prestigious feat was previously achieved by George Headley (West Indies, 1939), Graham Gooch (England, 1990), and Michael Vaughan (England, 2004).
A Record-Setting Day for Root
This Test match marked the first time Root scored two centuries in a single Test match. His second-innings century came off just 111 balls, making it the fastest of his career. His previous fastest century was off 116 balls, which he achieved against New Zealand at Trent Bridge in 2022.
Root’s Dominance at Lord’s
With these two centuries under his belt, Root’s tally at Lord’s has now climbed to 2,022 runs, surpassing Graham Gooch’s mark of 2,015 runs. This makes Root’s run total the fifth-highest aggregate by any batter at a single venue in Test cricket. His seven Test centuries at Lord’s are the most by any player at the historic ground, solidifying his dominance at the “Home of Cricket.”
Leading the Charts in Home Runs
Root’s Test run aggregate in England now stands at 6,733 runs, making him the leading run-scorer in Tests played on English soil. He broke Alastair Cook’s record of 6,568 runs, showing his great success in playing at home.
A Milestone of 50 International Hundreds
Root’s achievements are not limited to Test cricket alone. He has scored 50 international centuries—34 in Tests and 16 in ODIs. This milestone makes him the first English cricketer to reach 50 international hundreds and only the ninth player globally to achieve this feat.
A Safe Pair of Hands
In addition to his batting exploits, Root also made his presence felt in the field. During the Lord’s Test, he achieved his 200th catch in Test cricket by dismissing Nishan Madushka and Pathum Nissanka. Root is now joint third in the all-time list, tied with Jacques Kallis, and is only ten catches behind the leader, Rahul Dravid.
Conclusion
Joe Root’s twin centuries at Lord’s have not only broken records but have also reaffirmed his status as one of the modern greats in cricket. With every milestone, Root continues to inspire and set new benchmarks in the world of cricket. His consistent performance and ability to step up in crucial moments make him a true legend of the game. Fans eagerly await more spectacular performances in the ongoing Sri Lanka tour of England 2024 series, where Root will look to further cement his legacy.
What do you think about Joe Root’s latest achievements? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to follow our coverage of the Sri Lanka Tour of England 2024 and the ICC World Test Championship for more updates.
