Lord's Test: With 37th century, Joe Root goes past Rahul Dravid and breaks into top 5

England’s star batter Joe Root etched his name further into the history books on Saturday as he brought up his 37th Test century on Day 2 of the third Test against India at Lord’s, surpassing Rahul Dravid’s tally of 36 to take fifth place on the all-time list of most Test hundreds.

Resuming on 99 not out, Root reached his milestone in the first session of Day 2, with a boundary on the very first ball of the day after batting through the pressure-packed opening day. His hundred came off 192 deliveries, underlining a patient and mature innings in challenging conditions.

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Root came to the crease under pressure on Day 1, with England struggling at two wickets down early, after impressive spells from India’s Nitish Kumar Reddy, who removed both openers. Alongside Ollie Pope, Root steadied the innings with a gritty partnership that frustrated India’s disciplined bowling attack.

The pair took England to lunch at 83/2, and despite being tested by the Indian pacers and some verbal exchanges — particularly from Mohammed Siraj — Root stayed focused, absorbing the pressure and guiding the innings forward.

Post-tea, India hit back with quick wickets, as Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Pope and Jasprit Bumrah removed Harry Brook. However, Root once again anchored England’s response, combining with captain Ben Stokes to stitch together another 50-run partnership.

Root’s innings was marked by smart rotation of strike, selective stroke play, and a clear departure from England’s usual aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, showing the value of adaptability in red-ball cricket.

He ended Day 1 unbeaten on 99, before completing his century early on Day 2. This innings reinforces Root’s stature as one of the modern greats of Test cricket.

Most Test Hundreds (Top 5)

Sachin Tendulkar – 51

Jacques Kallis – 45

Ricky Ponting – 41

Kumar Sangakkara – 38

Joe Root – 37*

With form on his side, Root will be eyeing further milestones as the series continues.

- Ends

Published By: alan john Published On: Jul 11, 2025

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