Root's Record-Equalling Century Revives England's Chances Against Sri Lanka

Photo : AFP

On the first day of the second Test at Lord’s, Joe Root scored a record-equalling 33rd Test century, bolstering England's position against Sri Lanka. England, initially struggling at 42-2, ended the day at a solid 358-7, thanks to Root’s impressive 143, his sixth Test century at Lord’s.

The day started with England in a precarious position after Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field under sunny conditions. England’s decision to bat first seemed questionable when left-handed opener Ben Duckett, who was in good form, managed to hit three fours in an over off Asitha Fernando. However, Dan Lawrence fell for nine, and Ollie Pope, making his third consecutive single-figure score as England’s stand-in captain, was dismissed for just one run. Sri Lanka’s bowlers exploited the conditions effectively, with Lahiru Kumara taking Lawrence's wicket and Fernando dismissing Pope.

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Root came to England’s rescue once more, a role he has played many times throughout his career. Despite a challenging start, Root forged crucial partnerships, including a 48-run stand with Harry Brook and a 62-run partnership with Jamie Smith. Root, who was unbeaten on 81 at tea, reached his century with a stylish shot through the slips, drawing level with former England captain Alastair Cook's record of 33 Test centuries. Root achieved this milestone in 145 matches, compared to Cook’s 161.

Root’s innings included 13 boundaries off 162 balls. His knock helped England recover from a potentially precarious situation, but he was dismissed for 143 when he skied a delivery from Milan Rathnayake to Pathum Nissanka at point. Despite his dismissal, England’s position remained strong.

Fast bowler Gus Atkinson also played a significant role, scoring an unbeaten 74. Atkinson, who reached his maiden Test fifty, added a valuable 92-run partnership with Root before the latter’s dismissal. Atkinson’s innings featured two powerful sixes and several well-placed boundaries, including a memorable cover drive for four.

England’s day was marred by earlier dismissals, with Chris Woakes also falling cheaply, but the solid performances from Root and Atkinson provided a much-needed boost. The team will be looking to build on this foundation as they continue their efforts against Sri Lanka, who are seeking to level the three-match series after England's five-wicket win in the first Test at Old Trafford.

With this century, Root now joins the elite ranks of Test century-makers, though he remains the only active cricketer in the top ten all-time list, led by India’s Sachin Tendulkar with 51 centuries in 200 Tests.

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