Win Projections to be updated soon
When Joe Root broke his record, Cook appeared in the commentary box and was observed to be happy and emotional. He also referred to the England international as the best player in history.
In the first Test, Sri Lanka shown incredible skill with the bat and ball, but both departments fell short at Lord’s. Gus Atkinson made a fast century in the first innings when they failed to remove him early, which contributed to the 427 runs that were scored. However, there was one batting department exception. Despite scoring 74 runs, Kamindu Mendis received no assistance from the other end.
Once more, Joe Root was the man to beat when England batted.
The visitors pushed boundaries and took early wickets. By scoring his 34th Test century, the 33-year-old broke Sir Alastair Cook’s record for the most Test centuries for England.
For a short spell, Harry Brook was his supporter, as he hit 37 runs to Jamie Smith’s 26. With the bat, England scored 251 runs in their second innings, but it was a one-man show. For Sri Lanka, Milan Rathnayake and Prabath Jayasuriya each claimed two wickets, while Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara claimed two each.
Sri Lanka needed a solid start to chase a massive 483 runs, but they lost two crucial wickets in Nishan Madushanka and Pathum Nissanka. Day 3 saw Sri Lanka register 53/2, with Jayasuriya being elevated to night watchman and Dimuth Karunaratne holding one end. Ollie Stone and Gus Atkinson each won one for England. While Sri Lanka needs 430 runs, they need eight more wickets to win and complete the three-match series.
Also Read: ‘Simply England’s greatest’ – Alastair Cook praises Joe Root after 34th Test hundred
On Day 3, though, Root’s valour would live on in memory. He shattered several records and recorded his first twin hundreds in a single Test. Their batsmen were unable to get going in the second innings, which allowed England to take a 231-run lead.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Cook smiling & clapping when Joe Root overtook him for most hundreds by an ENGLAND batter in Tests. ❤️
– A beautiful moment. pic.twitter.com/QTDaaDzCFP
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 31, 2024
𝗧𝗵𝗲 moment.
Joe Root goes above Sir Alastair Cook to score the most Test hundreds for England 🐐 pic.twitter.com/cD5aCXl1Id
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 31, 2024
Centuries in both Test Innings among fab 4
2014 – Virat Kohli at Adelaide
2019 – Steve Smith at Birmingham
2024 – K Williamson at Mount Manganui
2024 – Joe Root at Lord’s*#ENGvSL— Rohit𓃵⁴⁵ fan boy💙 (@rohit_fanboy) September 1, 2024
Most Hundreds in International cricket among active players:
1) Virat Kohli – 80
2) Joe Root – 50*
3) Rohit Sharma – 48
4) Kane Williamson – 45
5) Steve Smith – 44— situzz_choudharyy (@SituzzK) September 1, 2024
Alastair Cook said “Joe Root is simply England’s Greatest Ever, we are watching a genius”. #JoeRoot #ENGvSL pic.twitter.com/0A3uy6wO2j
— Cricket With Smile (@MIsmailShabbir3) September 1, 2024
A legend amongst legends joe root#ENGvSL pic.twitter.com/Rg57tgXHNH
— Afzaal786 Afzaal786 (@afzaal786abc786) September 1, 2024
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