Joe Root Nears Sangakkara’s Test Record

England’s prominent batter, Joe Root, achieved another milestone in his impressive Test career on Friday. During the ongoing third Test against India at Lord’s, part of the five-match series, he surpassed the century records of legendary cricketers Rahul Dravid and Steve Smith.

Root, demonstrating excellent batting form, scored his 37th Test century, moving ahead of former India captain Rahul Dravid and Australian star Steve Smith, both of whom have 36 Test centuries.

With this achievement, the right-handed batsman is now just one century shy of Sri Lankan icon Kumar Sangakkara, who holds the fourth position on the all-time list with 38 Test centuries.

The all-time list is led by Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar with 51 centuries, followed by South African great Jacques Kallis (45) and former Australian captain Ricky Ponting (41).

Most Centuries in Test Cricket:
  • Sachin Tendulkar (India): 51
  • Jacques Kallis (South Africa): 45
  • Ricky Ponting (Australia): 41
  • Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka): 38
  • Joe Root (England): 37
  • Rahul Dravid (India): 36
  • Steve Smith (Australia): 36

At the time this report was compiled, England, batting first, had reached 271-5 in 87 overs. Root and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith were at the crease as Day Two of the third Test continued.

Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett scored 18 and 23 runs, respectively, while Ollie Pope added 44.

Harry Brook was dismissed for 11, and Stokes, who also scored 44, was India’s fifth wicket of the innings.

The five-match Test series is currently tied at 1-1.

England secured victory in the first Test at Leeds. India, under the leadership of Shubman Gill, responded strongly with a dominant 336-run victory in the second Test at Birmingham.