England National Cricket Team Modern day great Joe Root has become the most century-scorer for England in the history of Test cricket, breaking the long-standing record held by the legendary Alastair Cook.
Root achieved the feat by smashing twin tons in the second Test of the three-match series against the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Notably, he has now amassed as many (17) Test hundreds as the rest of the Fab-4 since the start of 2021.
In the first innings, he scored 143 runs off 206 balls before being dismissed by Milan Rathnayake in the 78th over. Meanwhile, in the second innings, he scored 103 runs off 121 balls before being dismissed by Lahiru Kumara in the 55th over.
Root’s twin centuries helped Alastair Cook reach 33 Test hundreds for England and become the leading century maker. Root completed the innings by smashing Lahiru Kumara for a four through the covers off the second ball of the 53rd over.
After completing the ton, Root jumped in delight and punched the air before raising the bat and soaking up the applause. Alastair Cook was seeing it all live at Lord’s when he was commentating for the BBC.
The moment.
Joe Root surpasses Sir Alastair Cook to score the most Test hundreds for England
pic.twitter.com/cD5aCXl1Id
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 31, 2024
Many fans felt that Cook would be jealous to see him break Root’s record, but that was not the case at all. The BBC shared an exclusive clip of Cook’s reaction to Root hitting his 34th Test ton, and the England great looked absolutely delighted to see the 33-year-old reach the milestone.
His reaction to breaking Joe Root’s record showed his gentle nature and sportsmanship. Also, Cook celebrated Root’s achievement by showing his humility.
Watch: Alastair Cook’s heartwarming reaction to Joe Root’s record-breaking ton
Special moment for Joe Root reaches 34th Test hundred.
The man who beat his record was watching.
Sir Alastair Cook
Joe Root#bbcricket pic.twitter.com/EjjH9zd0mc
– Test Match Special (@bbctms) August 31, 2024
Also, looking at what happened, Alastair Cook labeled Root ‘England’s greatest’ and hailed him as a batting genius. Speaking on air, great England said:
“It’s just that he’s England’s greatest. He’s absolutely right to hold that record. Face it, Joe, we’re watching you and you’re a genius. When Joe Root bats, there’s a sense of inevitability around him, a sense that he’s always going to score. It’s nice to see him doing that. .”
Alastair Cook was even annoyed when the cameras panned to him and he said the broadcasters should show Root instead because it was his time. He later said (quoting BBC Test Match Special):
“I have cameras all over my face. I feel so uncomfortable. Now I feel like whatever I react to is going to be acted out and seen everywhere!.”
“Now they’re showing me around the place on the big screen. What a way to kick a man when he’s down. That’s my idea! Stop showing me, it’s about Joe!”
Also, in the final innings of the match, Joe Root achieved another great feat by becoming the first England National Cricket Team player to take 200 catches in Test cricket history.
