In a remarkable display of skill and resilience, Joe Root has made headlines in the cricketing world by scoring his 35th Test century during the first Test match against Pakistan in Multan. Root’s century, achieved in just 167 balls, has not only solidified his place among the legends of the game but also seen him surpass the record previously held by West Indian great Brian Lara.
Historic Achievement: Breaking Brian Lara’s Record
With this century, Joe Root has moved ahead of four iconic cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar, Younis Khan, and Mahela Jayawardene, all of whom finished their illustrious careers with 34 Test centuries. Root’s ability to score runs consistently at the highest level underscores his exceptional talent and determination, reaffirming his status as one of the best batsmen in contemporary cricket.
Continuing Excellence in 2024
Root’s form in 2024 has been nothing short of spectacular. This century marks his fifth of the year, equaling the achievements of Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis, who also has five centuries this year. So far, Root has amassed over 1100 runs with an impressive average of 61. This accomplishment marks the fifth time in his career that he has surpassed the 1000-run mark in a calendar year, placing him alongside an elite group of players, including Brian Lara, Matthew Hayden, Jacques Kallis, Ricky Ponting, Kumar Sangakkara, and Alastair Cook. Notably, Root is now just two centuries shy of matching the record held by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who accomplished this feat six times in his career.
Top Run-Scorer in England’s History
Prior to the match against Pakistan, Joe Root had already surpassed 12,402 runs in 146 Tests, boasting an average of 50, with 34 centuries and 64 half-centuries. His consistent performances have made a significant impact on England’s batting lineup. In this match, Root reached a new milestone, surpassing Alastair Cook to become the highest run-scorer for England in Test history. As he completed 72 runs in the first innings, he moved past Cook’s total of 12,472 runs, further cementing his legacy in English cricket.
A New Milestone in the World Test Championship
In yet another impressive achievement, Root has made history in the World Test Championship (WTC) by becoming the first batsman ever to score 5000 runs. This milestone was reached shortly after he scored 27 runs in the first innings of the match against Pakistan, bringing his total in WTC matches to 5005 runs. Having participated in 59 matches throughout the WTC cycle, Root’s record underscores his importance and performance in the context of the longest format of the game.
With each record he sets, Joe Root continues to define his legacy in cricket while inspiring the next generation of cricketers. His ability to perform consistently under pressure speaks volumes about his talent, dedication, and love for the sport.
