Joe Root makes records with his 34th Test century: Stats
England cricket team batter Joe Root hammered a second successive century against Sri Lanka on Day 3 of the 2nd Test at Lord's on Saturday. Root had earlier hit a 143-run knock in the 1st innings on Thursday. He continued his love affair with the Lankans, getting to his ton off 111 balls before perishing for 103. England scored 251, setting a 483-run target.
Most centuries for an Englishman
Root is now the highest centurion for England in Tests. He has steered clear of Alastair Cook, who smashed 33 centuries for the Three Lions. With his 34th Test ton, Root has equalled the likes of Brian Lara, Mahela Jayawardene, Sunil Gavaskar and Younis Khan in terms of centuries (34 each).
Most Test centuries by a batter at Lord's
Root slammed his 7th Test ton at Lord's. It's now the most by a batter at this venue. With his century in the first innings, Root had equalled former England stalwarts Graham Gooch and Michael Vaughan, who hit six tons each at Lord's.
Root's solid Test numbers
Root's 103 from 121 balls was laced with 10 fours. He has raced to 12,377 runs at an average of 50.93. In addition to 34 Test tons, he owns 64 fifties. As per ESPNcricinfo, in 12 matches versus Sri Lanka, Root has amassed 1,351 runs at 67.55. He slammed his 6th ton (50s: 2). At home, Root has 6,733 runs at 55.64 (100s: 21).
4th batter with this unique record at Lord's
As per ESPNcricinfo, Root has become just the 4th player in the history of Test cricket to slam hundreds in both innings at Lord's. 106 & 107 - George Headley (WI) vs ENG, 1939 333 & 123 - Graham Gooch (ENG) vs IND, 1990 103 & 101* - Michael Vaughan (ENG) vs WI, 2004 143 & 103 - Joe Root (ENG) vs SL, 2024*
Joint-3rd-highest centuries against Sri Lanka
Root now owns the joint-3rd-highest centuries against Sri Lanka in Tests. He has equalled former Pakistan batter Azhar Ali (6). Sachin Tendulkar (9) and Younis (8) are above Root at this moment.
Root enters elite list with 50th century in international cricket
Root slammed his 50th century in international cricket across formats. In addition to 34 Test tons, he has 16 ODI hundreds. Batters with 50-plus hundreds in international cricket: 100 - Sachin Tendulkar; 80 - Virat Kohli; 71 - Ricky Ponting; 63 - Kumar Sangakkara; 62 - Jacques Kallis; 55 - Hashim Amla; 54 - Mahela Jayawardene; 53 - Brian Lara and 50 - Root.
Summary of the Lord's Test match
Root's powerful 143 and Gus Atkinson's maiden Test century helped England score 427 in their first innings. For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando claimed a five-wicket haul. In response, Sri Lanka faltered for 196. Kamindu Mendis was the lone warrior with a 74-run effort. England managed 251 in their 2nd innings. Besides Root, Harry Brook scored 37. For Lanka, Lahiru Kumara and Fernando took three-fers.
