Joe Root Goes Past Sangakkara; Equals Steve Smith On Elusive List With Oval Test Hundred

Joe Root struck a magnificent hundred [Source: AFP]

In a phenomenal achievement, experienced batter Joe Root joined Australian legend Steve Smith for the most international centuries against India. The veteran cricketer unlocked the feat on day 4 of the fifth Test at Kennington Oval. 

Root Brings Up 39th Test Ton In ENG vs IND 5th Test

Joe Root has showcased sublime form in the ongoing Test series against India. The talismanic batter sustained his purple patch, punishing the visiting team with yet another glorious ton under tricky batting conditions. 

Chasing a massive 374-run total, England lost prized wickets of Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley before an absolute ripper from Mohammed Siraj caught Ollie Pope off guard. However, Root and Harry Brook swung the game in England’s favour, adding a magnificent stand of 195 runs for the fourth wicket. 

Brook brought up his tenth Test ton, while Joe Root completed his 39th century in the format. Thus, the English great surpassed Kumar Sangakkara’s tally of 38 Test hundreds, He also joined Steve Smith at the top on the list of batters with the highest centuries against India in international cricket. 

Most centuries vs India in international cricket

• Steve Smith - 16
• Joe Root - 16
• Ricky Ponting - 14
• Viv Richards - 11
• Kumar Sangakkara - 11

As mentioned above, Root and Smith currently have 16 centuries against India in international cricket. Ricky Ponting is placed second with 14 tons, while Viv Richards and Kumar Sangakkara have scored eleven hundreds each against the Indian team. 

Talking about the match, Brook and Root's valiant stand changed England's fortunes in the match, helping them claim the driving seat. With a few runs left, India's defeat is all but inevitable at Kennington Oval. 

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