Former England captain Joe Root smashed an incredible century vs New Zealand in the fourth innings of the first Test match at the Lord’s cricket ground. Root’s unbeaten ton ensured the hosts chased down the massive total of 277 and registered a five-wicket victory and took a lead in the series.
Root also became the 14th batter in the history of Test cricket to complete 10000 runs in the longest format of the game. He is the joint-youngest batter ever to reach the milestone. Quite incredibly, both Root and ex-England skipper Alastair Cook completed the milestone at the age of 31 years and 157 days. Root’s ton was the 26th of his career in red-ball cricket for his country.
Post Root’s sensational innings, cricket fraternity members from across the world were quick to react and lavish praise on him.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly called him an all-time great.
“Joe Roooooooot ..what a player what a knock under pressure ..an all time great,” wrote Ganguly.
Former Indian cricketer and National Cricket Academy (NCA) director of cricketer, VVS Laxman, also hailed the talisman English batter for his achievement.
Meanwhile, former England captain Michael Vaughan wrote, “Englands most complete all round Batter of all time .. 10000 runs & to do it with a match winning 100 is incredible .. Well done.”
