In a remarkable display of batting prowess, England’s star batter Joe Root has equalled the record for most Test centuries at Lord’s, the iconic home of cricket.
Root’s 143-run knock on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka saw him reach his 33rd Test century, tying him with former England greats for the most tons scored at the historic venue.
Record-levelling ton for Joe Root
Root’s latest masterclass innings came at a crucial juncture for England, who had lost early wickets after being put in to bat first by Sri Lanka. The Yorkshire-born, who recently surpassed Alastair Cook as England’s leading run-scorer in Tests, anchored the innings with his trademark elegance and resilience.
Reaching his century, Root joined an elite club of batters who have scored six Test hundreds at Lord’s.
A point to the sky. A kiss of the badge. ANOTHER Joe Root century. pic.twitter.com/9fIm1CsS8e
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 29, 2024
He now stands alongside Graham Gooch and Michael Vaughan, both of whom are considered among England’s greatest batters of the modern era.
Also READ: ENG vs SL 2024 – Fans go wild as Joe Root equals Alastair Cook’s record for England with 33rd Test century at Lord’s
Root’s domination at Lord’s
Lord’s has been a happy hunting ground for Root throughout his illustrious career. He has scored centuries against Australia, India and Sri Lanka at the venue, showcasing his ability to adapt to different bowling attacks and conditions.
Root’s first Test hundred at Lord’s came in 2013 when he scored a match-winning 180 against Australia in the Ashes. He followed it up with a double century against Sri Lanka in 2014 and a century against India in 2018, cementing his status as one of the most prolific run-scorers at the ground.
By equaling the record for most Test centuries at Lord’s, Root has joined an elite group of batters who have dominated at the venue. Former England captains Andrew Strauss and Kevin Pietersen also feature in the list, with five centuries each at the ground.
Most Test hundred at Lord’s:
6 – Graham Gooch
6 – Michael Vaughan
6 – Joe Root
5 – Andrew Strauss
5 – Kevin Pietersen
Root’s achievement is particularly impressive given his young age. At 33, he has plenty of cricket left in him and will be eyeing to break the record and cement his place as one of the greatest batters to have graced the hallowed turf of Lord’s.
Also READ: Youngest wicketkeepers to smash a Test century for England – feat Jamie Smith
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