Joe Root has scribbled his name even deeper into cricket’s golden book, following a masterclass against Sri Lanka at Lord’s. The English run machine didn’t just guide his team to a thumping win; he bulldozed through records, leaving cricket statisticians scrambling to keep up. Root’s latest heroics have cemented his status as one of England’s cricketing legends.

Joe Root Surpasses Sir Alastair Cook for the Most Test Centuries by an Englishman

Joe Root’s incredible consistency and flair with the bat culminated in a historic achievement at Lord’s, as he surpassed Sir Alastair Cook to become the player with the most Test centuries for England. Root began the Test match on the cusp of history, needing one more century to equal Cook’s record of 33 centuries. His masterful 143 in the first innings put him level with the former England captain, and he didn’t stop there. Root went on to score another century in the second innings, a brilliant 103, making him the sole record holder with 34 Test centuries for England.

Most Test Centuries at Lord’s

Root's affinity for Lord's is well-known, and this Test match added another highlight to his storied record at the iconic ground. By scoring his second-innings century, Root became the player with the most Test centuries at Lord's, achieving his seventh ton and surpassing the previous record of six centuries held by Graham Gooch and Michael Vaughan.

Root’s journey to this record began in 2013 when he scored a majestic 180 against Australia. Over the years, he has treated the Lord’s crowd to some of his finest knocks, and this latest century, which secured the record, is another jewel in his already glittering crown.

Root Becomes the Leading Run-Scorer in Test Matches in England

Adding to his already impressive list of accolades, Joe Root also became the leading run-scorer in Test matches played in England. Root’s 6,733 runs in 77 home Tests, scored at an exceptional average of 55.64, put him ahead of Alastair Cook’s 6,568 runs in 89 Tests.

Century in Both Innings at Lord’s

Root’s Test match against Sri Lanka saw him join an exclusive club, becoming only the fourth player to score a century in both innings of a Test match at Lord’s. His innings of 143 and 103 are now etched alongside the names of George Headley, Graham Gooch, and Michael Vaughan, who have previously achieved this rare feat.

George Headley was the first to do so in 1939, followed by Gooch in 1990 and Vaughan in 2004. Root’s inclusion in this elite group is a testament to his skill and composure.

Joe Root Surpasses Graham Gooch as Lord's All-Time Run King

As if these records weren’t enough, Joe Root also became the highest run-scorer at Lord’s, surpassing the legendary Graham Gooch. Root’s total of 2,022 runs at Lord’s, scored at an average of 54.64, edges out Gooch’s 2,015 runs.

Lord’s has always been a special venue for Root, and this record reinforces his mastery at the ground. With seven centuries in just 40 innings, Root’s mastery at the home of cricket is more reliable.