Joe Root continued his prolific run as he slammed his 39th Test century on Day 4 of the fifth Test against India. He surpassed Kumar Sangakkara (38) in the list of most centuries in Tests and has now occupied the fourth spot in the elite list. Root got involved in a massive 195-run stand for the fourth wicket with Harry Brook and sucked the life out of Indian bowlers.
It was also the third fourth innings hundred for the England star as he continued his golden run in the last innings of the Test. He reached the milestone in the third session of the day with a couple of runs against Akash Deep. It was a memorable moment for Root as his parents were also present in the crowd as the entire stadium stood up to applaud another masterclass from the second-highest run scorer in Tests.
England vs India 5th Test Day 4 Updates
The former England captain also paid tribute to late Graham Thorpe by wearing his band after completing the milestone. Root walked out to bat in the first session itself, following the wicket of Ben Duckett early in the day. After failing to notch up a big score in the first innings, Root was determined to take his team over the line as he looked at ease right from the outset.
He brought up his half century in the second session and played second fiddle to Brook, who ripped apart Indian bowling after being dropped on 19. However, after Brook was dismissed on 111, Root took the onus upon himself to see England home.
He reached his landmark in the last session to bring his team to the cusp of a win. Root’s previous two centuries in the fourth innings have come in a winning cause, and he has brought England to the verge of chasing another 370-plus target.
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