Decoding batters with most 50-plus scores in Manchester (Tests)
Joe Root played a match-winning knock for England in the fourth innings of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford, Manchester. His efforts meant England (205/5) chased down the target on Day 4. Root, who scored 42 runs in the first innings, chipped in with an unbeaten 62. Here we look at the batters with the most 50-plus scores in Manchester (Tests).
Joe Root - 8 50-plus scores
As per ESPNcricinfo, the ENG-SL game saw Root become the first player to register eight 50-plus Test scores in Manchester. The tally includes seven fifties and a solitary ton. He also became the first player to complete 900 runs at the venue. Having played 11 Tests here, he has raced to 978 runs at 65.20. He also owns a duck at this iconic ground.
Denis Compton - 7 50-plus scores
Root broke the tie with Denis Compton, who recorded seven 50-plus scores in Manchester. While his tally of three hundreds is the joint-most for a batter at this venue, Compton has also made four fifties. Overall, he made 818 runs from eight Tests in Manchester at a brilliant average of 81.8. Compton and Root are the only batters with 750-plus Test runs in Manchester.
Ian Bell - 7 50-plus scores
Another batting stalwart from England, Ian Bell breached the 50-run mark seven times across 11 Test innings in Manchester. He tallied five fifties and a couple of tons at this ground. Overall, Bell clobbered 608 Test runs in Manchester at a fine average of 76. Notably, his first four outings at this ground resulted in 50-plus scores.
