England’s star batter Joe Root continues his impressive run in Test cricket, scoring centuries with ease once he settles at the crease.
In the first innings of the second Test against Sri Lanka, currently taking place at Lord’s, Root registered another century.
This marks his 33rd Test century, making him the England cricketer with the most Test centuries, tying with former captain Alastair Cook’s record of 33 centuries.
With this century, Root has also surpassed the records of three other prominent cricketers: Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Steve Waugh, who each have 32 Test centuries. Root now stands ahead of them with 33 centuries.
Recently, Root reached the milestone of 12,000 runs in Test cricket, placing him seventh on the all-time list of highest run-scorers in Tests.
Overall, in 145 matches and 265 innings, Root has scored 12,274 runs at an average of 50.71, including five double centuries, 33 centuries, and 64 half-centuries.
Sachin’s Record in Danger
Given Root’s remarkable form, it seems likely that he could challenge the record held by Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar, with 15,921 runs, is the all-time highest run-scorer in Test cricket.
Currently, Root, with 12,274 runs, is only 3,647 runs behind Tendulkar. Additionally, Tendulkar tops the list for the most Test centuries with 51, and experts believe that if Root continues in his current form, reaching Tendulkar’s record might not be too difficult.
List of Players with the Most Test Centuries:
- Sachin Tendulkar – 51
- Jacques Kallis – 45
- Ricky Ponting – 41
- Kumar Sangakkara – 38
- Rahul Dravid – 36
- Sunil Gavaskar – 34
- Mahela Jayawardene – 34
- Brian Lara – 34
- Younis Khan – 34
- Alastair Cook – 33
- Joe Root – 33
List of Players with the Most Runs in Test Cricket:
- Sachin Tendulkar – 15,921
- Ricky Ponting – 13,378
- Jacques Kallis – 13,289
- Rahul Dravid – 13,288
- Alastair Cook – 12,472
- Kumar Sangakkara – 12,400
- Joe Root – 12,274
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