Joe Root Matches Test Century Record Against India
Joe Root Reaches a Significant Milestone
Joe Root has marked another significant achievement in his Test cricket career. The former England captain has now matched the record for the most Test centuries scored against India, tying with Australia's Steve Smith. This milestone was reached during the ongoing third Test match at Lord's Cricket Ground.
Root Celebrates 11th Test Century Against India
At the end of Day 1, Root was not out on 99. He began Day 2 by driving a wide delivery from Jasprit Bumrah to the boundary, thus securing his 37th Test century. This century also marked his 11th against India, placing him alongside Steve Smith for the highest number of Test centuries against the Indian team.
Test Centuries Against India
Test Hundreds vs India:
- Joe Root - 11
- Steve Smith - 11
- Ricky Ponting - 8
- Sir Viv Richards - 8
- Gary Sobers - 8
Only Root and Smith have surpassed the 11-century mark against India, while Ponting, Richards, and Sobers each have eight.
Root's Remarkable Performance at Lord's
Root's innings further solidified his status as one of England's greatest Test batsmen. This century marks his third consecutive hundred at Lord's, making him only the third player in history to achieve this feat. The other two players are:
- Jack Hobbs (1912-1926)
- Michael Vaughan (2004-2005)
Root's Crucial Contribution to England's Innings
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, England faced early setbacks with the loss of openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. However, Root played a vital role in stabilizing the innings through a significant partnership with Ollie Pope. Despite quick dismissals of Pope and Harry Brook, Root and Ben Stokes formed another solid partnership.
India made a comeback when Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Stokes early on Day 2. At that moment, England's score stood at 260 for 5, with Root on 103 not out and Jamie Smith yet to score.