Joe Root dedicates 33rd Test century to late Graham Thorpe
England cricket team batter Joe Root has dedicated his 33rd Test century to the late Graham Thorpe. The emotional tribute came during Day 1 of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's. Upon reaching his hundred, Root looked skyward in a poignant moment of remembrance for Thorpe, who passed away earlier this month. The England team also honored Thorpe wearing black armbands during their first Test against Sri Lanka. Here's more.
Root acknowledges Thorpe's significant influence on his career
In a post-match interview, Root acknowledged Thorpe's significant role in shaping his cricketing career. He stated, "I have been lucky to work with a lot of great people and Thorpey was one of those." Root further added that he is missing Thorpe and credited much of his success to his guidance. This heartfelt acknowledgment underscores the deep bond between the two cricketers.
Root acknowledges Thorpe's influence on his career
In a post-match interview, Root acknowledged the significant role Thorpe played in shaping his cricketing career. "I have been lucky to work with a lot of great people and Thorpey was one of those," he said. He further added that without Thorpe's guidance, he wouldn't have reached this level in his career. Root also shared his connection with Thorpe, describing him as a good friend. He stated that the two had developed a strong bond over a decade.
Root's century helps England recover in second Test
Root's impressive score of 143 runs helped England recover from a shaky start in the second Test against Sri Lanka. His performance was instrumental in lifting the team from 42-2 to a more stable 358-7 at stumps. This achievement also saw Root equal Alastair Cook's record for the most Test hundreds by an English batter, further cementing his place among cricketing greats.
Joe Root's impressive numbers in red-ball cricket
The 33-year-old has featured in 145 Test for England and has racked up 12,274 runs with an average of 50.71. His highest score is 254, and the right-handed batter owns 33 tons and 64 fifties. As per ESPNcricinfo, Root has featured in 77 home matches scoring 6,630 runs at 55.25. He has scored an impressive 20 centuries. In 65 away matches (home of opposition), he has amassed 5,357 runs at an average of 53.87, with 13 tons under his belt.
More records for Root
Root slammed his sixth Test ton at Lord's. It's now the joint-most by a batter at this venue. Former England stalwarts Graham Gooch and Michael Vaughan hit six tons each at Lord's. Root now owns 5 centuries against SL in Tests. He is the 2nd batter after Mahela Jayawardene (8) to hit five-plus tons in England-Sri Lanka Test matches. Root is the 4th player in England-SL Tests to score 1,200-plus runs after Jayawardene (2,212), Kumar Sangakkara (1,568) and Cook (1,290).
England's first innings summary at the end of day one
England were 130/4 at one stage before a 62-run stand between Root and Jamie Smith steered the ship. After Smith's dismissal, England were hit, being reduced to 21`6/6. A 92-run stand thereafter between Root and Atkinson helped them reach safer shores. Root made 143 from 206 balls (4s: 18). Meanwhile, Atkinson took control to thwart the Lankans. His 74* consists of five fours and four sixes. For SL, Asitha Fernando, Milan Priyanath Rathnayake and Lahiru Kumara claimed two wickets each.
