England’s Joe Root scored a record-equalling 33rd Test hundred on the first day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s. England was 42-2 when Root came in to bat, and he led his team to stumps on 358-7, with a personal score of 143 in his sixth Test century at Lord’s. Root’s century was supported by fast bowler Gus Atkinson, who made his maiden Test fifty with a score of 74 not out.
Sri Lanka took three wickets before lunch, despite England initially choosing to bat. At the top of the order, Ben Duckett was the only other notable contributor with a score of 40. England’s stand-in captain, Ollie Pope, continued his poor form with single-digit scores in three successive innings. Despite these setbacks, Root once again showed his class by stabilizing the innings when he came in to bat.
Root’s century at Lord’s was a testament to his skill and experience, coming in when the innings was in the balance. He faced some tough moments during his innings, including a close lbw appeal that went in his favor early on. Root shared significant partnerships with Harry Brook and Jamie Smith, who both made valuable contributions to the team’s total. However, Chris Woakes’ dismissal saw England in a precarious position at 216-6.
Root reached his century after spending 12 balls on 99, guiding a delivery from Kumara for four to complete his landmark innings. This century was Root’s sixth at Lord’s, drawing him level with former England captain Alastair Cook’s record of 33 Test centuries. Root’s achievement also placed him in joint-tenth place in the all-time list of Test century-makers. Despite reaching this milestone, Root eventually fell to an unorthodox shot, but Atkinson’s aggressive batting helped England finish the day in a strong position.
Overall, Root’s record-equalling century was the highlight of England’s performance on the first day of the second Test against Sri Lanka. His ability to rescue the team from difficult situations has been a trademark of his career, and he once again proved his worth in this match. With a strong foundation established, England will look to build on their total in the remaining days of the Test and secure a series victory against Sri Lanka.
