NZ vs ENG: Joe Root smokes his 29th Test century
Joe Root brought up his 29th Test century in the ongoing second and final game against New Zealand. The veteran batter paced his innings to perfection as he returned unbeaten at 101 off 182 deliveries at stumps on Day 1. It was indeed a timely knock from Root as he rescued the Brits after a top-order collapse. Here are Root's stats in Test cricket.
A timely knock from Root
NZ won the toss and opted to bowl at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. England were reduced to 21/3 when Root was joined by England's batting sensation Harry Brook in the middle. The duo steadied the ship for the visitors with a double-century stand. While Brook, who also touched three figures, did the bulk of the scoring, Root assisted him with apt support.
England's second-highest run-getter in Tests
Standing in his 129th Test, Root raced past 10,800 runs with his average being just below 50. The tally includes 56 fifties besides 29 tons. Five of his centuries have been converted into double tons. Among England batters, only Alastair Cook (12,472) owns more Test runs. Meanwhile, only Steve Smith (30) has smoked more Test centuries than Root among active players.
Highest run-scorer in England vs New Zealand Tests
Root has now become the highest run-scorer in England vs New Zealand Tests. The right-handed batter, who now tallies 1,560 runs at 52 in this regard, displaced John Wright (1,518) at the top. Root boasts five tons and seven fifties against the Kiwis. On NZ soil, he has raced to 641 runs at 45.78. The tally includes two tons and three fifties.
How did Day 1 pan out?
NZ skipper Tim Southee and Matt Henry breathed fire with the new ball as England were reduced to 21/3. The duo scalped one and two wickets apiece. Root and Brook then steadied the ship with sensational centuries. The latter returned unbeaten on 184. The two batters added an unbeaten 294-run stand, pushing NZ on the back foot. England finished at 315/3 at stumps.
