England star Joe Root’s remarkable form in Test cricket continued as he scored his 35th century on Day 3 of the first Test against Pakistan in Multan. Walking in to bat early on the second day after Pakistan posted a mammoth 556-run total, Root was undeterred and showed his class from the first ball. His innings was flawless, and he broke several records along the way, further cementing his legacy in Test cricket.

Joe Root becomes first batter to 5000 WTC runs

During his knock, Root achieved the milestone of 5000 runs in the World Test Championship (WTC), becoming the first batter to reach this landmark since the tournament’s inception in 2019. His feat came as he cruised past the 71-run mark, setting another milestone by becoming the highest run-scorer for England in Test history, surpassing former captain Alastair Cook.

Root’s historic ton was sealed with a reverse sweep off Abrar Ahmed, taking a single to deep backward point and reaching his well-deserved century.

Root goes past legendary players

By scoring his 35th century, Root has now surpassed several iconic names in the cricketing world. Among the legends he has overtaken are India’s Sunil Gavaskar, one of the most revered opening batters in the history of the game; Sri Lankan maestro Mahela Jayawardene, known for his graceful stroke play; West Indian legend Brian Lara, whose record-breaking feats include the highest individual score in Test cricket; and Pakistan’s Younis Khan, celebrated for his consistency in difficult conditions.

Each of these players has etched their name in cricket history with 34 Test centuries, but Root’s recent ton in Multan has elevated him to a higher echelon, placing him alongside the elite group of all-time greats in the sport. His ability to amass runs across different conditions and against the toughest of oppositions is a testament to his skill, adaptability, and hunger for success at the highest level.

Also SEE: Photos: Meet Joe Root’s wife Carrie Cotterell, who first met him at a bar

Most hundreds in Test cricket

• 51 – Sachin Tendulkar
• 45 – Jacques Kallis
• 41 – Ricky Ponting
• 38 – Kumar Sangakkara
• 36 – Rahul Dravid
• 35 – Joe Root*

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Also READ: PAK vs ENG: Fans roar as Joe Root breaks Alastair Cook’s all-time record for England on Day 3 of first Test