On Saturday (August 24), star English batsman Joe Root once again stepped up for England, helping the team led by Ollie Pope to defeat Sri Lanka in the first Test of the ongoing three-match series. England successfully chased down a target of 205 runs in the fourth innings at Old Trafford, Manchester, securing a five-wicket win in the series opener within four days.
Root, who is England’s second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, was the top scorer in the second innings. He remained unbeaten on 62 runs from 128 balls with two fours.
With his 62 runs innings, he surpassed the record of 63 half-centuries held by former Australian Captain Allan Border and Former Indian Captain Rahul Dravid. The former England captain now has 64 half-centuries in 263 innings across 144 Test matches.
Most 50s in Tests
1) Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 68
2) Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI) – 66
3) Joe Root (England) – 64
4) Allan Border (Australia) – 63
5) Rahul Dravid (India) – 63
6) Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 62
7) Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 58
8) Alastair Cook (England) – 57
9) VVS Laxman (India) – 56
