J.E. Root

143

J.E. Root 143 v Sri LankaBack to boards

Joe Root reached his sixth Test century at Lord’s with a composed and measured innings on the first day of England’s second Test match against Sri Lanka.

This century not only marked Root's sixth at Lord's but also tied him with Graham Gooch and Michael Vaughan for the most Test centuries by an Englishman at the Home of Cricket.

After Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field, Root's innings of 143 was central in steering England to a solid first-innings total.

Despite wickets falling around him, Root played with his characteristic controlled aggression, reaching his century with a controlled cut to third man off his 162nd delivery.

Root did keep everyone on edge as Sri Lanka held him at 99 for 12 balls, before he finally celebrated his 33rd Test century for England, equalling Sir Alastair Cook's record in the process.