Free cookie consent management tool by TermsFeed Update cookies preferences

Joe Root surpasses Sir Alastair Cook with 34th England Test century

No player has more three-figure scores in the format for England after Root's twin hundreds in the second Test at Lord's

Joe Root has passed Sir Alastair Cook as England's leading century-maker with his 34th hundred in the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's.

After his first-innings 143 drew him level with the former captain, Root brought up his second of the match, a breezy 103 from 121 deliveries, with a cut through cover.

On an otherwise relatively uneventful third day at the self-styled home of cricket, the Yorkshireman's achievement sparked wild celebrations in the crowd.

His 50th in all international formats, only 11 other players have reached three figures in both innings of a Test for England.

Related: England v Sri Lanka: "Is Atkinson's batting a problem for Woakes' Ashes ambitions?"

sep-hpto-1200x4001

Related: Gus Atkinson hundred offers England unanticipated options

Speaking on commentary for Test Match Special, Cook said: "He is quite simply England's greatest. It is absolutely right that he should have the record on his own.

"We are watching a genius.

"I don't there is a batter watching him play where there is that sense of inevitability about scoring runs that Joe Root gives off.

"It is a pleasure to watch a craftsman at work."

Join The Cricketer's brand new Whatsapp channel for the latest breaking news, comment and features - click here to become a member


Related Topics

Comments

THE CRICKETER NEWSLETTER Get all the latest cricket news to your inbox, twice a week SIGN UP

Thank You! Thank you for subscribing!

LATEST NEWS

SERIES/COMPETITIONS

LOADING

STATS

Units 7-8, 35-37 High St, Barrow upon Soar, Loughborough, LE128PY

website@thecricketer.com

Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine. Breaking news, interviews, opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport, from village green to national arena.