Alastair Cook has lavished praise on his former teammate Joe Root, following Root’s record-breaking performance on Saturday, August 31. Root’s impressive 103 off 121 deliveries during day three of the Test match helped England post a monumental total of 483 for Sri Lanka to chase in the fourth innings. This innings marked Root’s 34th Test century, surpassing Alastair Cook’s long-standing record of 33 centuries, the highest by any English cricketer in Test history.
On the BBC’s Test Match Special, Alastair Cook did not hold back his admiration: “He is quite simply England’s greatest, and it’s absolutely right that he should have this record, on his own,” Cook declared. “Take it in, Joe. We are watching a genius.”
Cook further explained what makes Root a special player. “I don’t think there’s a batsman that I can remember watching play [who shares] the sense of inevitability about scoring runs that Joe Root gives off. I called it when he was on about 6 today, that he was going to get 100. I know he’s in great form, but it’s just a pleasure to watch a master, a craftsman at work.”
Despite Cook’s glowing commendation of Root now, his initial impression of a young Joe Root was far from what he sees today. Reflecting on a List-A debut for Yorkshire against Essex back in 2009, Cook humorously recalled, “He couldn’t get the ball off the square. Everyone said, ‘he’s a good player,’ but I didn’t see that.”
Yet, Root’s formidable talent soon became apparent. By December 2012, only three years later, Root had turned Cook into a firm believer. During the final match of England’s tour of India in Nagpur, Root demonstrated his remarkable aptitude for Test cricket. Cook reminisced, “I saw someone mentally ready to play Test cricket. The only check was when he walked out to bat for the first time, how he would handle it.”
Cook also shared vivid details of Root’s composure during his debut. “The game was in the balance and he walked out to bat with his England cap on, looking 13, massive smile on his face.
. I watched his first few balls, and I was like, ‘This bloke is here to stay.’ I honestly said, ‘He’s scoring 10,000 runs.’ I don’t know who I said it to, but I know that I said it.”
Indeed, Joe Root has not disappointed. Over the years, he has consistently proven his worth and has been a vital element of England’s cricketing success. His latest achievement only highlights his incredible contributions to England’s cricketing history. Root’s stellar 103-run performance, which helped assert an intimidating target for Sri Lanka, has not only cemented his place in the annals of English cricket but has also earned him accolades from those who have watched his career closely.
Though Alastair Cook may have relinquished his title as England’s all-time highest Test century scorer, it is with a sense of pride rather than disappointment. His admiration for Root seems to transcend any personal loss of records. In fact, Cook’s high regard for Root is evident in every word he shared during the commentary.
Root’s rise to prominence, especially considering his unremarkable start, is a testament to his dedication, mindset, and natural talent. His record-breaking innings not only underscores his personal achievements but also adds another illustrious chapter to England’s rich cricketing legacy. Fans and cricket aficionados alike can only marvel at the craftsmanship and mastery on display whenever Joe Root steps onto the field.
As England continues to compete on cricket’s grandest stages, players like Joe Root remind us what it means to reach the pinnacle of the sport. His path, filled with dedication and sheer talent, serves as an inspiration to budding cricketers across the globe. And for Alastair Cook, there seems to be no player more deserving than Joe Root to hold the revered record.
In the coming years, one can only anticipate more awe-inspiring performances from Root. If Cook’s predictions are anything to go by, Joe Root may well go on to set even higher records, further solidifying his legacy as one of England’s greatest ever cricketers. The cricketing world indeed watches with bated breath as Joe Root continues his remarkable journey.
