New Delhi: England captain has equalled legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most half-centuries in Test cricket during the ongoing match against in Leeds on Thursday, August 20. Root completed his 68th Test fifty on Day 2 of the match before being dismissed for 66 off 112 deliveries.
With this half-century, Root joined Tendulkar at the top of the list for most fifties in Test cricket. West Indies legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul is in the second position with 66 fifties, while former Australia captain Allan Border and India great Rahul Dravid have 63 half-centuries each.
Root has also climbed to fifth on the list of the most fifty-plus scores by Test captains, with his 42nd such score. Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith is leading the chart with 61, followed by Ricky Ponting (54), Border (51) and Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq (43).
Root’s latest milestone adds another chapter to his brilliant Test career and further strengthens his place among the format’s greatest run-scorers. The England captain is also chasing Tendulkar’s record of the most runs in Test cricket.
England 366/8 at stumps on Day 2
The Three Lions strengthened their position against Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley on Thursday, reaching 366/8 at stumps on Day 2, taking a 195-run lead. England opted to bowl first in the opening match, with their bowlers proving the captain’s decision right as Pakistan bundled out for 171 runs in the first innings. Abdullah Shafique scored 61 runs off 104 balls, while Imam-ul-Haq also made 42.
Apart from them, other Pakistani batters struggled against England bowlers and failed to make significant contributions. Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue picked up 5 wickets each. In reply, the hosts got off to a poor start as Mohammad Abbas removed Ben Duckett for 15 runs, while Mohammad Ali dismissed Emilio Gay for 33.
After two setbacks, Jordan Cox and Joe Root forged a 150-run partnership for the third wicket. The action on the second day was delayed due to persistent rain. But once the rain stopped, Root and Cox looked solid in defence while also playing attacking shots to counter the Pakistani bowlers.
Both batters completed their respective fifties but failed to convert them into hundreds. After two quick wickets, Harry Brook forged a 120-run partnership along with Dan Lawrence for the fifth wicket. Ali Usman removed Lawrence (51) as the visitors looked to make a comeback. Brook looked well set for a century but was dismissed by Ali Usman for 91. Jamie Smith (16) and Jofra Archer remained unbeaten at the close of play on Day 2, with England leading by 195 runs.