Joe Root, England’s star batsman, continues to dominate the world of cricket with his remarkable form. On the third day of the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington, Root smashed his 36th Test century, scoring 106 runs in England’s second innings.
This achievement puts Root in elite company, as he now shares the record for 36 Test centuries with India’s legendary batsman Rahul Dravid. Over his career so far, Root has played 151 Test matches, scoring 12,886 runs in 276 innings at an impressive average of 50.93. Along with his 36 centuries, Root has also hit 64 half-centuries.
Joe Root… That is RIDICULOUS! 🤯
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 7, 2024
He reaches three figures in style, ramping his way to a THIRTY-SIXTH Test century! pic.twitter.com/EFNXzRlatp
A Record to Remember
Root’s milestone has drawn comparisons with Dravid’s illustrious career. The former Indian captain played 164 Tests, amassing 13,288 runs in 286 innings at an average of 52.31. Like Root, Dravid scored 36 centuries, along with 63 half-centuries.
Test victory. Series victory. pic.twitter.com/kEtytT6sMM
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 8, 2024
Test Cricket’s Top Century Makers
Joe Root’s feat places him among cricket’s greatest century scorers. Here’s the list of players with the most centuries in Test cricket:
- Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 51 centuries in 200 Tests
- Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 45 centuries in 166 Tests
- Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 41 centuries in 168 Tests
- Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 38 centuries in 134 Tests
- Joe Root (England) – 36 centuries in 151 Tests
- Rahul Dravid (India) – 36 centuries in 164 Tests
Closing in on Sachin Tendulkar’s Record
At just 33 years old, Root has time on his side to chase down other major records. He is currently 3,036 runs away from breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record of 15,921 Test runs. Root made his Test debut in 2012 against India in Nagpur, and few could have predicted that he would one day be a contender to surpass Tendulkar’s legendary numbers.
Root’s journey in Test cricket is nothing short of extraordinary, and fans around the world will be eagerly watching as he continues to etch his name in cricket history.