In a historic moment for England cricket, Joe Root surpassed Alastair Cook’s long-standing record of centuries, scoring his 34th during the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s. The achievement, which came in the second innings where Root scored 103 runs off 121 balls, solidified his status as England’s all-time leading century-maker.
The atmosphere at Lord’s was electric as Root reached the milestone, having already equaled Cook’s record with a stellar 143 in the first innings. His second century not only broke the record but also showcased his exceptional talent and determination. As Root celebrated his achievement, he shared a heartfelt embrace with his father in the stands, a moment that captured the emotional depth of his accomplishment.
Picture of the day 🤩
Joe Root receives congratulations from his father following his historic 34th Test century 🙌
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Alastair Cook’s reaction on Joe Root’s record feat
Cook, who watched from the commentary box, expressed his admiration for Root, labelling him “England’s greatest” and a “genius” for his batting prowess.
“He is quite simply England’s greatest, and it’s right that he should have this record, on his own. Take it in Joe, we are watching a genius,” commented Cook on BBC.
A special moment for Joe Root as he reaches 34 Test hundreds.
The man whose record he surpasses was watching on.
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— Test Match Special (@bbctms) August 31, 2024
“I don’t think there’s a batsman that I can remember watching play…the sense of inevitability about scoring runs that Joe Root gives off. I called it when he was on about 6 today, that he was going to get 100. I know he’s in great form, but it’s just a pleasure to watch a master, a craftsman at work,” he added.
Reflecting on Root’s journey, Cook reminisced about their first encounter in 2009 and acknowledged the incredible growth Root has shown since then.
“The game was in the balance and he walked out to bat with his England cap on, looking 13, massive smile on his face. I watched his first few balls, and I was like, ‘This bloke is here to stay.’ I honestly said, ‘He’s scoring 10,000 runs.’ I don’t know who I said it to, but I know that I said it,” he said.
His words resonated with fans, emphasizing the significance of Root’s achievement in the context of English cricket history.
Also READ: Joe Root’s record-breaking century gives England the edge over Sri Lanka on Day 3 of the Lord’s Test
With this record, Root joined an elite group of cricketers who have scored centuries in both innings of a Test match at Lord’s, alongside legends like Graham Gooch and Michael Vaughan. He now holds the record for the most runs scored at Lord’s, surpassing Gooch’s previous tally, and has reached a remarkable 50 international centuries overall.
Most Test centuries for England
- 34 – Joe Root
- 33 – Alastair Cook
- 23 – Kevin Pietersen
Root’s performance not only highlights his individual brilliance but also places him among cricketing greats, as he continues to inspire future generations. With his career still in full swing, fans eagerly anticipate what more Root will achieve in the coming years.
