• Joe Root hammered his 33rd Test ton on Day 1 of the second test between England and Sri Lanka.

  • Root further equaled Alastair Cook's record for the most Test hundreds by an English player.

ENG vs SL: Fans go wild as Joe Root equals Alastair Cook’s record for England with 33rd Test century at Lord’s
Joe Root (Image Source: X)

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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:

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