Joe Root came, broke a couple of records, and left. This has become a new regular in Test cricket as the English cricketer continued his record-breaking streak during England’s ongoing third Test match against Sri Lanka at The Oval on Sunday. The 33-year-old Root’s journey as a steadfast force in international cricket remains as compelling as ever.
Despite scoring only 12 runs off 18 balls in the second innings, England witnessed a shocking collapse after taking a 62-run lead in the first innings. While Root’s personal contribution with the bat was minimal in this particular innings, his 12 runs held significant historical value. Root, the world’s No.1 batter in ICC Test rankings, managed to surpass the legendary Kumar Sangakkara in the Test runs tally. Root’s milestone came when he scored his 11th run, allowing him to surpass the illustrious Sri Lankan batsman.
Root now boasts 12402 runs in 267 Test innings, a monumental achievement that positions him as one of the all-time greats. His prolific run-scoring keeps him within striking distance of breaking more records. Specifically, Root is now only behind five cricketers in the all-time Test runs list, with just 72 runs to go before matching England’s all-time leading run-scorer, Alastair Cook.
When we look at the leaderboard of most runs in Men’s Test cricket, Root continues to shine brightly among cricket greats. His consistency and batting prowess are reaffirmed every time he steps onto the field. However, his contributions are not limited to batting alone; Root has exhibited significant prowess as a fielder, a combination that cements his position as an invaluable asset to the English cricket team.
In the match against Sri Lanka, Root showcased his fielding capabilities as well. He took an easy catch to dismiss the in-form Kamindu Mendis in the first innings earlier on Day 3, claiming his 201st catch in red-ball cricket.
. This achievement once again highlights Root’s versatility and all-around cricketing skills.
His outstanding fielding efforts put him on the verge of breaking another monumental record. India’s former captain and head coach Rahul Dravid still holds the record for the most catches by an outfield player in Test cricket, with 210 catches in 164 matches. With only nine catches separating Root from Dravid’s 12-year-old record, it is highly likely that Root will break this record in the near future, adding yet another feather to his already decorated cap. England’s upcoming three-match Test series against Pakistan, starting on October 7, provides the perfect stage for Root to enjoy further success in this regard.
In every thread of this narrative, Root’s cricketing journey reveals a pattern of relentless pursuit of excellence. His ability to seamlessly integrate batting and fielding talents allows him to contribute comprehensively to his team’s performance. Even though England encountered a surprising collapse in the second innings, Root’s contributions have continually placed him at the forefront of cricketing discourse.
Regarding other cricketing news, upcoming tournaments and key player performances continue to captivate fans. For instance, Musheer Khan and bowlers impressed as India B triumphed in the Duleep Trophy 2024 opener against India A. On another note, details on the ADPL 2024 Final Live streaming for the match between East Delhi Riders and South Delhi Superstarz have been released, much to the delight of ardent fans.
India’s squad selection for the Bangladesh Tests based on Duleep Trophy 2024 performances is in focus, with KL Rahul staking his claim for inclusion. Amidst these exciting developments, Root’s continued brilliance ensures that cricket lovers have much to look forward to.
In summary, Joe Root’s recent accomplishments in breaking records are a testament to his sustained excellence and enduring impact on the game. As he edges closer to surpassing the iconic Rahul Dravid’s catches record, anticipation builds on what further milestones Root will achieve. Each day in the world of cricket unfolds new stories of dedication, skill, and remarkable feats, with Joe Root’s endeavors standing as a principal highlight.
