Joe Root equals most Test centuries record by an English cricketer

Former England Test captain Joe Root created history on Thursday (August 29) with his 33rd Test century. With that hundred, Root equalled the record for most Test centuries by an English batter.

The second Test of the three-match Test series between the hosts England and the visitors Sri Lanka started on Thursday at Lord’s. After Sri Lanka chose to bowl first on the opening day of the Test match, most of the English batters struggled to score big runs. 

Joe Root scored 143 runs

Although England were struggling at 216/6, the present No. 1-ranked Test batter Joe Root dominated the day with his controlled batting performance. After completing his 33rd Test century in 162 balls, Root continued his strong batting performance before his dismissal. While he scored 143 runs in 206 balls with the help of 18 fours, Root also set up a crucial 92-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Gus Atkinson.

At the stumps of day 1, England were batting on 358/7. While Atkinson scored 74 not out off 81 balls with five fours and four sixes, Matthew Potts remained not out on 20 off 33 balls with four fours. Atkinson and Potts have already added 50 runs for the unbroken eighth wicket. 

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Most Test centuries by an English batter: Joe Root equalled Sir Alastair Cook's record

It was Joe Root’s second Test century in the ongoing home summer. During the third innings of the Nottingham Test against West Indies last July, Root scored 122 runs off 178 balls. Apart from two centuries, Root has also scored three fifties in the ongoing home Test summer. 

However, the Lord’s Test century was very special for Joe Root, as it was his 33rd Test hundred. With this latest century, Root equalled the record for most Test centuries by an England batter. Sir Alastair Cook was lonely holding this record with 33 Test centuries. So, with one more Test hundred, Root will create a new history in English Test cricket. 

Most Test centuries by English batters (Top 5)

Most Test hundreds: Joe Root entered the top 10 list

With his latest century, Root also entered the top 10 list of the most Test centuries record. Root is in a level position with Sir Alastair Cook at no.10.

Most Test centuries (Top 10)

Joe Root records the most Test centuries by an active cricketer

Among the active cricketers, Root has scored the most Test hundreds. His latest century surpassed New Zealand star Kane Williamson and Australian star Steven Smith’s 32 Test centuries.  

Most Test centuries by active cricketers (Top 5)