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[Saba Sports News] On his 33rd birthday, Joe Root, England’s distinguished batsman, was celebrated by the England Cricket Board, which recalled his first Test century. Root’s debut Test against India in 2012 set the stage for his momentous century against New Zealand in 2013, a testament to his early mastery in Test cricket.
In his sixth Test, Root scored his first century against New Zealand, demonstrating his resilience with England at a precarious 67/3. He forged key partnerships, notably a 79-run stand with Ian Bell and a significant 124-run alliance with Jonny Bairstow. This innings highlighted Root’s patience and foreshadowed a successful Test career.
His century at Headingley, his home ground, was not just a milestone but a sign of his future stature in cricket. Root’s memorable journey continued at Lord’s, where he scored 180 against Australia in 2013 and an unforgettable unbeaten 200 against Sri Lanka in 2014, his first Test double-century. As of his 100th Test, Root has four double-centuries, a record only two other English players have surpassed.
Root’s ascent to England’s Test captaincy in early 2017, following Alastair Cook, was a natural progression, backed by Andrew Strauss, the former captain and then-director of cricket. Root’s journey from his first Test century to leading England in Tests marks a significant chapter in his illustrious cricketing career.