39 Test Hundreds and Counting: Joe Root Shines Again vs India

Sports News: England’s star batter Joe Root once again proved his class in Test cricket with a brilliant century against India in the final Test of the five-match series at The Oval. Known for his calmness, skill, and consistency, Root scored a crucial hundred that not only helped England stay strong in the match but also helped him break several big records.

Dominating India Yet Again

Joe Root has always enjoyed playing against India, and this series has been no different. In England’s second innings, when the team was chasing a challenging target, Root stood tall and played a remarkable innings. He reached his century in just 137 balls, showing great control and timing throughout his knock.

This was Root’s third century in this series and his 12th overall against India in Test cricket. With this, he has now equaled some of the biggest names in cricket history in terms of centuries against a single opponent.

Now 4th on All-Time Test Century List

With this hundred, Root now has 39 Test centuries, putting him in fourth place on the list of players with the most hundreds in Test history. He has overtaken former Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara, who had 38. Root now follows only Ricky Ponting (41), Jacques Kallis (45), and Sachin Tendulkar (51).

His achievement is even more special because Root has now become the player with the most centuries on English soil—a total of 24. This shows how dependable and consistent he has been, especially in home conditions.

Fast Track to 39 Centuries

In terms of innings taken to reach 39 Test hundreds, Root has played 288 innings. While Sachin Tendulkar reached the same mark in 236 innings and Ponting in 239, Root's record still places him among the best ever, especially considering the modern era’s tougher conditions and tighter schedules.

Third-Highest Centuries Against a Single Opponent

Root’s 12th century against India also places him among the top players with the most centuries against one team. Only Don Bradman (19 vs. England) and Sunil Gavaskar (13 vs. West Indies) are ahead of him. Root now has 13 Test hundreds vs India, equalling Gavaskar’s tally.

Among the Best of His Generation

When compared to current players across all formats, Root stands strong. He now has 57 international centuries, second only to Virat Kohli, who has 82. Other players like Rohit Sharma, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson are slightly behind, which makes Root one of the most successful active cricketers today.

Joe Root’s latest century is not just a personal milestone but a reminder of his incredible impact on Test cricket. He continues to be the backbone of England’s batting lineup and a nightmare for Indian bowlers. As the series heads to a thrilling end, Root’s form could be the deciding factor in who lifts the trophy.