Image source– Joe Root Twitter / X (@root64)
Joe Root has once again made history with his incredible performance at Lord’s, scoring twin centuries in a single Test match.
This remarkable achievement not only highlights his extraordinary talent and consistency but also breaks records, cementing his place among the greatest in the sport.
Root’s 34th Test century, which came in this memorable match, makes him the highest century-maker for England, showcasing his enduring class and resilience.
His twin hundreds at the iconic ground reflect his mastery of the game and his ability to rise to the occasion on cricket’s biggest stage.
Joe Root, as a Test batter, has always brought a sense of calmness to the crease, playing with minimal fuss and quietly going about his business.
Whether he’s walking in early in the innings to face a brand-new Dukes ball or coming in when England is in a commanding position, like in his last innings, Root’s game sense and ability to settle into his innings have remained consistent.
Making his debut in 2012 at the age of 21 in Nagpur, Root faced the formidable Indian spinners with poise, showing from his very first innings that he was built for the long haul in Test cricket.
● Joe Root and His Love Affair at Lord’s Continues
Joe Root, in the recently concluded Lord’s Test, elevated his remarkable connection with the “Home of Cricket” to new heights by breaking multiple records. Root now holds the record for the most Test centuries by an English batter, surpassing Alastair Cook’s tally of 33.
With 34 Test centuries (tied with Brian Lara’s tally) and 16 ODI tons, he joins the elite list of batters who have scored 50 international hundreds, becoming the ninth player to achieve this milestone.
His 34th Test ton also puts him alongside legends like sir Sunil Gavaskar, Younis Khan, Mahela Jayawardene, and Brian Lara in the list of most Test centuries.
Root’s twin centuries in the same Test at Lord’s further cemented his place in history, giving him the record for the most Test hundreds at this iconic venue. With seven centuries at Lord’s, he surpassed the previous record of six held by Graham Gooch and Michael Vaughan.
Additionally, with an aggregate score of 2,022 runs, Root has now become the highest run-scorer at Lord’s, overtaking Graham Gooch’s tally of 2,015 Test runs.
● Joe Root’s Remarkable Transformation in Test Cricket
Joe Root’s Test career can be divided into two distinct phases. The first half, from 2012 to 2020, saw Root recognized as a talented batter, but he often faced criticism for his inability to convert fifties into hundreds.
By the end of 2020, Root had accumulated 17 Test centuries and 49 half-centuries, placing him at the bottom of the “Fab Four” in terms of centuries.
However, since 2021, Root’s career has experienced a meteoric rise. He has scored an impressive 17 Test hundreds and 15 half-centuries in this period. Remarkably, his 17 Test centuries since 2021 surpass the combined total of hundreds scored by Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Virat Kohli during the same time.
What makes Joe Root’s recent success even more special is his ability to transform and improve his game, even after playing international cricket for over ten years. He has adapted to new challenges and refined his skills, showing incredible resilience and determination.
Joe Root’s ability to change and grow, even at this stage of his career, speaks volumes about his character and dedication. Root’s willingness to learn and push himself further shows not just his skill as a batsman, but also his deep love for the game.
His journey is a true testament to his passion and his drive to keep getting better, no matter how long he’s been playing.
Joe Root is known for being a gentle and humble person, and this calm demeanor is reflected in his batting. Unlike many players who celebrate loudly after reaching
milestones, Root goes about his work quietly, even in the flashy “Bazball” era where every aggressive shot grabs attention. Root’s approach is understated, and few notice how he steadily builds his innings to reach a Test century.
Even after breaking Alastair Cook’s record for the most Test centuries by an English player, Root’s reaction was subdued, simply reflecting his insatiable hunger for runs.
This quiet determination suggests he is aiming for something even bigger—perhaps inching closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s Test runs tally or scoring over 40 Test hundreds.
Root’s focus and drive indicate that he has clear goals for the next 4-5 years of his Test career, and he’s just getting started.
Joe Root’s dream run in Test cricket will not be complete until he achieves a glory that every English Test player aspires to: scoring an Ashes century Down Under and winning the Ashes on Australian soil.
With the next Ashes series just 18 months away, it presents the perfect opportunity for Root to fulfil his ultimate dream and etch his name in cricketing history.
Achieving this would not only fulfil a personal ambition but also cement his greatness forever.
We are witnessing a period of exceptional greatness, and this would set the epitome of it.
● JOE ROOT TEST CAREER IN A GLANCE
M: 145
INNS: 265
RUNS: 12377
HS: 254
AVG. : 50.93
100/50: 34/64
