Joe Root, the accomplished England cricketer, has achieved a significant milestone in his career, joining an elite group of batsmen with his 36th century in Test cricket. Root’s remarkable feat came during the second Test against New Zealand in February 2024, a performance that not only earned him personal acclaim but also contributed greatly to England’s dominant series win over the Black Caps. With this century, Root has now tied with India’s Rahul Dravid for the fifth-most centuries in Test cricket history, a position shared by several cricketing legends.
Root’s consistency with the bat has been one of the defining aspects of his career. His latest century demonstrates his ability to perform in the most challenging conditions. This innings was a crucial one for England, and Root’s determination was clear, as his steady approach anchored England’s innings. His knock further cemented his reputation as one of the finest middle-order batsmen in modern cricket.
The 36th century places him firmly among the best to ever play the game, alongside players like India’s Sunil Gavaskar, Australia’s Ricky Ponting, and South Africa’s Jacques Kallis, who are ahead of him on the list of the most Test centuries.
As Root continues to pile up runs, he remains within striking distance of the all-time record held by Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, who tops the list with an astounding 51 Test centuries. Root, however, still has a few years of cricket ahead of him and could well continue to climb the ladder of Test century-makers.
Root’s place in the history of Test cricket is firmly secured, and his 36 centuries are a testament to his exceptional skill, perseverance, and determination on the field. As he reaches new milestones, Root remains one of the most consistent and admired figures in world cricket, a batsman whose legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of cricketers.