In a masterful display of batting prowess at Old Trafford, Joe Root has etched his name alongside cricket legends by scoring his 38th Test century, equaling Sri Lankan icon Kumar Sangakkara’s remarkable record for most Test hundreds. This milestone achievement not only showcases Root’s exceptional consistency but also solidifies his position among cricket’s all-time greats, as he continues to rewrite England’s batting history with each innings.
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Joe Root’s Journey to 38 Test Centuries
The former England captain’s path to this historic achievement has been nothing short of spectacular. Root’s 38th Test century came during England’s commanding performance in the fourth Test against India at Manchester, where he displayed the technical brilliance and mental fortitude that has defined his career.
Starting the day at 225/2, Root demonstrated his trademark patience and precision, taking 178 deliveries to reach the three-figure mark. His innings was a perfect blend of calculated aggression and defensive solidity, frustrating the Indian bowling attack with his ability to find gaps and rotate the strike effectively.
The Significance of Matching Sangakkara’s Record
Kumar Sangakkara, widely regarded as one of the finest batsmen in cricket history, scored 38 centuries across 134 Test matches with an impressive average of 57.40. For Joe Root to match this feat speaks volumes about his consistency and longevity at the highest level of international cricket.
This achievement places Root in elite company, positioning him fourth on the all-time list of players with most Test hundreds. Only three legends stand ahead of him now: Sachin Tendulkar with 51 centuries, Jacques Kallis with 45, and Ricky Ponting with 41.
Current Test Century Leaders
| Rank | Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Centuries | Half-Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | 200 | 15,921 | 53.78 | 51 | 68 |
| 2 | Jacques Kallis | 166 | 13,289 | 55.37 | 45 | 58 |
| 3 | Ricky Ponting | 168 | 13,378 | 51.85 | 41 | 62 |
| 4 | Kumar Sangakkara | 134 | 12,400 | 57.40 | 38 | 52 |
| 4 | Joe Root | 157* | 13,337 | 51.09 | 38 | 67 |
*Active player
Root’s Remarkable Test Career Statistics
Joe Root’s statistical achievements extend far beyond just centuries. With 13,337 runs in 157 Test matches at an average of 51.09, he has established himself as one of the most prolific run-scorers in Test cricket history.
Key Career Milestones:
- Total Test Runs: 13,337 (5th highest all-time)
- Test Average: 51.09
- Centuries: 38 (joint 4th highest)
- Half-Centuries: 67
- Highest Score: 254 vs Pakistan
The Yorkshire-born batsman has shown remarkable consistency throughout his career, particularly since the start of this decade. His resurgence has been nothing short of phenomenal, leading the World Test Championship run tally with an staggering 5,807 runs since the tournament’s inception – a massive 1,600 runs ahead of the next-best performer, Steve Smith.
The Path to Surpassing Legends
With his sights now set on climbing higher up the Test century rankings, Joe Root needs just three more hundreds to surpass Ricky Ponting’s tally of 41. However, the ultimate target remains Sachin Tendulkar’s seemingly insurmountable record of 51 Test centuries.
Root’s current trajectory suggests he has every chance of reaching these milestones. At 34, he remains in prime form and shows no signs of slowing down. His technical soundness, combined with his deep understanding of different playing conditions worldwide, positions him perfectly to continue this remarkable run-scoring spree.
Recent Form and Future Prospects
Root’s recent performances have been nothing short of exceptional. His ability to adapt to different conditions, whether facing pace or spin, on home pitches or abroad, demonstrates the hallmarks of a truly great batsman. The Manchester century was a testament to his skill in handling pressure situations and building crucial partnerships.
His partnership with Ollie Pope during the innings showcased his leadership qualities and game awareness. Even after relinquishing the captaincy, Root continues to be England’s batting anchor, guiding younger players and setting the standard for professional excellence.
Impact on England’s Test Cricket
Joe Root’s consistent run-scoring has been instrumental in England’s Test cricket success over the past decade. His ability to score runs across all conditions and against all opposition has provided stability to the England batting lineup.
Since Ben Stokes took over as captain, Root has flourished even more, freed from the pressures of leadership and able to focus purely on his batting. This liberation has coincided with some of his best performances, including several match-winning knocks that have defined England’s recent Test campaigns.
Statistical Comparison with Contemporary Batsmen
When compared to his contemporaries, Root’s numbers stand out remarkably:
| Player | Matches Since 2020 | Runs | Average | Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Root | 45 | 2,834 | 52.48 | 12 |
| Steve Smith | 28 | 1,592 | 41.89 | 4 |
| Kane Williamson | 32 | 1,678 | 35.70 | 3 |
| Virat Kohli | 35 | 1,449 | 31.28 | 2 |
These statistics highlight Root’s exceptional consistency and productivity in recent years, underlining why he’s considered among the finest batsmen of his generation.
Technical Excellence and Mental Strength
What sets Joe Root apart is not just his statistical achievements but his technical proficiency and mental resilience. His batting technique, refined over years of international cricket, allows him to succeed across different formats and conditions.
Root’s footwork against spin bowling, his ability to play both pace and swing, and his range of shots make him a complete batsman. His sweep shots against spin bowling have become legendary, while his drives and cuts against pace demonstrate his classical technique.
Adaptability Across Conditions
One of Root’s greatest strengths has been his adaptability. Whether it’s the swinging conditions in England, the bouncy pitches in Australia, or the turning tracks in the subcontinent, he has consistently found ways to score runs.
This versatility has been crucial in his journey to 38 Test centuries, with significant contributions coming in various challenging conditions worldwide. His ability to modify his technique and approach based on match situations demonstrates the cricket intelligence that separates great players from good ones.
Looking Ahead: The Quest for More Records
As Joe Root continues his illustrious career, several records remain within reach. Beyond the immediate target of surpassing Ricky Ponting’s century count, he also has his eyes on becoming the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history.
Currently, Root needs just 41 more runs to overtake Ponting’s career tally of 13,378 runs. This milestone could potentially be achieved in the same Manchester Test, making it a doubly memorable match for the England stalwart.
The Road to 15,000 Test Runs
With his current scoring rate and consistency, Root appears well-positioned to join the exclusive club of batsmen who have scored over 15,000 Test runs.
Only Sachin Tendulkar (15,921) and Jacques Kallis (13,289) currently belong to this elite group, making Root a strong candidate to become the third member.
FAQs
How many Test centuries does Joe Root have?
Joe Root currently has 38 Test centuries, which equals Kumar Sangakkara’s record for most Test hundreds. He achieved this milestone during England’s fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, Manchester.
Where does Joe Root rank among batsmen with most Test hundreds?
Joe Root is currently tied for fourth place with Kumar Sangakkara for most Test centuries (38). Ahead of them are Sachin Tendulkar (51), Jacques Kallis (45), and Ricky Ponting (41).
How many more centuries does Joe Root need to break Sangakkara’s record?
Joe Root needs just one more century (his 39th) to surpass Kumar Sangakkara’s record and claim sole possession of fourth place on the all-time list of most Test hundreds.
What is Joe Root’s current Test batting average?
Joe Root maintains a Test batting average of 51.09 across 157 matches, having scored 13,337 runs with 38 centuries and 67 half-centuries.
How does Joe Root compare to other modern batsmen in Test cricket?
Since 2020, Joe Root has been the most consistent performer among top batsmen, scoring 2,834 runs at an average of 52.48 with 12 centuries, significantly outperforming contemporaries like Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Virat Kohli in the same period.
