On Thursday (August 29), Joe Root matched former England captain Alastair Cook‘s record for the most centuries in Test cricket for England. Root achieved his 33rd Test century during the third session of the Day 1’s play in the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s. He reached this landmark by hitting a boundary on the third ball of the 63rd over, delivered by Lahiru Kumara. Root’s achievement came in his 145th Test match, equalling Cook’s tally, who had amassed 33 centuries in 161 matches. Cook, renowned as England’s leading run-scorer in Test cricket, now shares this significant record with Root.

Joe Root’s dominating performance for England

Sri Lanka started the day strong, dominating the morning session of the second Test at the Lord’s. The visitors built on their early advantage in the afternoon session, making key breakthroughs that stifled England’s progress. Despite a solid start from England’s top order, Sri Lanka’s bowlers made critical inroads, taking advantage of key opportunities to disrupt England’s innings.

In the post-lunch period, England’s Harry Brook displayed aggressive intent, scoring 33 off 38 balls with a series of boundaries. However, his innings was cut short by a precise inswinger from Asitha Fernando, who trapped Brook leg-before-wicket. This dismissal ended a promising 56-run stand between Brook and Root, which was beginning to build momentum for England.

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Jamie Smith and Root’s stabilization efforts

Jamie Smith, a hero from the Manchester Test, joined Root at the crease with the aim of stabilizing England’s innings. While Root continued to accumulate runs, Smith played a more measured role. However, Sri Lanka’s pressure continued as Milan Rathnayake dismissed Smith for 21, with Smith edging a delivery to the slip cordon. This wicket halted another promising partnership and allowed Sri Lanka to maintain their control over the game.

Here’s how Fans reacted:

There are two batters in World Cricket I could watch bat whole day and it’s Virat Kohli & Joe Root.

the way Joe Root goes about his batting is WORLD CLASS!! #ENGvSL

— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) August 29, 2024

Last 4 years in Test cricket, there is Joe Root and then there are rest. Gets his 33rd century equalling Sir Alastair Cook at the top of English cricket. Scores 2 half-centuries per century. Can easily get past Tendulkar. #ENGvsSL

— Kanishk Agarwal (@kanishkdabaav27) August 29, 2024

We are witnessing Greatness in front of our eyes 🔥 He made batting looks so easy
Joe root – The Modern Day Test Legend

— Kartik Sehgal (@kartik_vlsi) August 29, 2024

Running out of words to describe Joe Root. 33(!) test match 100s! 64 other scores over 50! Blokes a genius. #root #ecb #ENGvsSL

— Luke O’Neill (@lukeoneill2205) August 29, 2024

Thirty three Test Hundreds +Most Test Runs for England!!! This is brutal from Joe Root.#ENGvSL #ENGvsSL #SLvENG #SLvsENG

— Sharon Solomon (@BSharan_6) August 29, 2024

33rd century for Joe Root in Test Cricket for England.🥶⚡#England #JoeRoot #Test #Lords #SriLanka #Century #Cricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/sJPX9gzoZv

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 29, 2024

Another test ton for Joe Root. The 33rd of his career. Equal with Sir Alastair Cook for England. The man continues to be a cheat code for batting… #ENGvSL

— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) August 29, 2024

Joe Root – 33 Test hundreds
Cook – 33 Test hundreds

Two all-time greats of the game.

Cook had the chance to overtake Sachin in the number of Tests played but he fell short. If everything goes well, Root could well leapfrog SRT and become the #1 run-getter. Another 3790 runs.

— Srikrishna 🏏🏀 (@1998Srikrishna) August 29, 2024

Joe Root gets his 33rd Test hundred. England’s greatest batsmen bar none and up there with the very best from anywhere.

— Chris Stocks (@StocksC_cricket) August 29, 2024

Joe Root’s 33rd Test century to draw level with Alastair Cook’s England record … also his sixth at Lord’s, joint top with Graham Gooch and Michael Vaughan

— Ali Martin (@Cricket_Ali) August 29, 2024

It’s quite laughable how much better Joe Root is than all our other players

— Friday (@FPL_Friday10) August 29, 2024

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 ROOOOOOOOOT! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

💯 Thirty-three Test hundreds
⬆️ Joint most England Test centuries
🌍 The world’s top-ranked men’s Test batter
👀 Closing in on the most Test runs for England

Joe Root, you are 𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 🐐 pic.twitter.com/Q4OEnApIVR

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 29, 2024

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