Joe Root Attributes Test Century Record to England’s Spirit: ‘It Gives You Energy
- Root tops England’s all-time list after scoring 34th ton
- Cook and Vaughan laud him as team’s greatest batter
Joe Root Attributes Test Century Record to England’s Spirit: ‘It Gives You Energy After scoring his 34th Test century, Joe Root has surpassed Sir Alastair Cook to become England’s leading century-maker. Reflecting on his record-breaking achievement, Root attributed his impressive form to a positive shift in the team’s mindset.
Root, who scored 103 in England’s second innings on day three against Sri Lanka, alongside his 143 on the first day, noted, “The environment and the way we approach the game now is incredibly enjoyable. It’s an atmosphere where players can thrive, and even as a senior player, it gives me so much energy.”
Since Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes took charge in June 2022, Root has amassed nine centuries and 2,488 runs at an average of 59.23. Usman Khawaja of Australia, in second place during this period, trails by 675 runs.
Reflecting on the recent past, Root acknowledged the toll the Covid-19 pandemic took on the team. “The psychological strain of those years was significant. We played more games under those conditions than anyone else, and it was draining.”
Root described international cricket as a relentless “hamster wheel” where players rarely have time to reflect and refine their game.
When reaching his century, becoming the first player since Michael Vaughan in 2004 to score centuries in both innings at Lord’s, Root celebrated with a distinctive gesture—raising a crooked pinky finger—a nod to an inside joke with Stokes inspired by the 2022 Elvis Presley biopic.
As Root celebrated, former England players Cook and Vaughan suggested he might be England’s greatest batter. Root, however, remained focused and modest. “It’s nice to receive such praise from two of England’s greats, but I prefer to focus on what’s next. There’s still plenty of work to do and more to contribute,” he said.
On the same day, Root set another record by reaching 200 Test catches, becoming the first English player to do so. Reflecting on this achievement, he joked, “It could have happened sooner, but that’s how it goes.”
Sri Lanka’s batting coach, Ian Bell, praised Root’s remarkable skill and expressed his admiration. “Watching Joe in action is a testament to his incredible talent. Having played with him and observed his dedication, it’s amazing to see him achieve so much with even more to give.”
