Last Updated on 3 months by Charbel Coorey
Joe Root continues to plunder the runs, with his latest effort a sublime 143 at Lord’s that marked his 33rd Test hundred. In the process, he went level with Sir Alastair Cook for the most hundreds by England in Tests.
The hosts found themselves in early trouble due to ill-disciplined strokeplay, particularly from Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett. However, Root went about his business as usual and was looking largely untroubled except for a close LBW shout against Lahiru Kumara at 67/2 and a nervous 12 balls on 99.
Fittingly, Root brought up his landmark century with a trademark dab down to third man. It was an important innings that gave England the initiative after losing regular wickets throughout the day, with Gus Atkinson (71*) putting the exclamation mark.
“You are inevitable” – Reactions to Joe Root’s 33rd Test hundred
Four years ago, Joe Root had 17 Test hundreds. He had no problem reaching 50 even then, but his conversion rate was the issue.
England’s premier batsman has had no such issues since.
Since the start of 2021, Root has struck 16 centuries in 48 Tests to go top among the ‘Fab 4’ also featuring Steve Smith (32), Kane Williamson (32) and Virat Kohli (29). Yes, Root plays more matches, but his achievements cannot be taken lightly.
After his latest ton, there is a growing feeling he could surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 15,921 runs. Root, 33, is 3,647 runs behind and looks to have plenty of years ahead of him.
After day one where England finisehed 358/7, Joe Root paid tribute to the late Graham Thorpe. “I’ve been very lucky to work with a lot of people, whether it be senior players, coaches, mentors and Thorpey was one of those people that offered me so much,” Root said.
“It was nice to be able to think of him in that moment. He’s someone that I’m going to sorely miss. He put a lot into my game, into my career, and without his help, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now.”
