England had a dominating day on Day 1, Joe Root smashed his 33rd test century and kept England in the driving seat. Sri Lanka was dismantled on the very first day despite that they were able to pick 7 wickets but England scored 358 runs.
Joe Root made himself the most consistent player in test cricket past 3 years, he has scored the most centuries in past years and currently holds the most runs in the World Test Championship. Joe Root has been rock in England’s batting line up over the last decade or so across all the formats of the game.
Joe Root dedicates his century to Graham Thorpe
Whenever test cricket writes its history then Joe Root will be at the top of it, since he changed his approach in its batting and since then he kept on dominating the opposition and scored centuries, Virat Kohli was the one who was leading the chart but now Joe Root has surpassed Kane Williamson, Steve Smith and Virat Kohli. Joe Root is like an obstacle for them and to dismiss him is like a task. Joe Root yesterday smashed his 33rd century and he dedicated his century to Late Graham Thorpe, who passed away a few days ago. Joe Root said:
“I’ve been very lucky to work with a lot of people, whether it be senior players, coaches, or mentors, and Thorpey was one of those people that offered me so much. It was nice to be able to think of him at that moment. He’s someone that I’m going to sorely miss. He put a lot into my game, into my career, and without his help, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now.”
“I was very lucky to have someone like him… he was the one guy that was constant throughout that 10, 11, 12-year period. I could go to him under pressure, and I have a really good understanding of my own game and it evolved into more: I became good friends, and I enjoyed spending a lot of time with him. It was nice to pay a small tribute. It’s nothing, but he means a lot to me – and that was a small thank you.”
Can Joe Root surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s highest test centuries mark? Since he is close to Sachin Tendulkar’s highest fifty plus scores, he is just 5 fifty plus score behind him.