Joe Root Makes History with Record-Breaking Masterclass at The Oval
So, let’s talk about Joe Root—because what he did at The Oval during the fifth Test against India was nothing short of legendary. In a match that could decide the series, Root didn’t just show up—he delivered a statement. His 39th Test century wasn’t just a personal milestone; it became a moment where records were broken, history was made, and greatness was reaffirmed.
Root reached his hundred in classic style—off 137 balls—with a calm tuck towards long leg followed by a quick double. The crowd roared as he raised his bat, but what made the moment more emotional was what came next. He pulled out a headband, raised it in tribute to the late Graham Thorpe, and pointed to the sky. His parents, watching from the stands, couldn’t have looked prouder.
Now, let’s break down the scale of this achievement. With that century, Root equaled Sunil Gavaskar’s record of 13 Test tons against a single opponent—India in this case. Only Don Bradman stands ahead now with 19 against England. And on top of that, Root passed Kumar Sangakkara on the all-time Test century list, moving up to fourth with 39 centuries. That puts him just behind Sachin Tendulkar (51), Ricky Ponting (41), and Jacques Kallis (45). Not bad company to keep, right?
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But it doesn’t stop there. This knock also marked his 13th century specifically against India, the highest by any batter, leaving Steve Smith’s 11 behind. It's a clear sign of how dominant Root has been against one of the best bowling attacks in modern cricket.
And here’s another massive stat: he became the first-ever batter to cross 6,000 runs in the World Test Championship. That’s across 69 matches—more than anyone else. It just shows how consistently he’s been performing at the top level. He’s racked up 21 centuries and 23 fifties in this WTC cycle alone.
During this particular innings, he didn’t just hold the innings together—he pushed India’s bowlers to the edge. After Harry Brook’s aggressive 111, Root anchored the chase, ensuring momentum never slipped. His eventual dismissal for 105 came off Prasidh Krishna, but by then, the damage was done. England was well on track in their 374-run pursuit.
All in all, Root’s innings wasn’t just about records. It was about poise under pressure, honoring a mentor, and reminding the cricketing world why he’s still one of the very best. This wasn't just another hundred—it was a chapter in cricket history being written right in front of us.
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