Leeds [UK], August 20 (ANI): England Test captain Joe Root equaled Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most fifties in the longest format during the ongoing first Test against Pakistan at Headingley on Thursday.
Root brought up his 68th Test fifty on Day 2 before being dismissed for 66 off 112 deliveries. His innings included 10 boundaries.
With his 68th fifty, Root joined Tendulkar at the top of the list for most 50-plus scores in Test cricket. West Indies’ Shivnarine Chanderpaul follows with 66 fifties, while former Australia captain Allan Border and India’s Rahul Dravid have 63 each.
Root, 42, also moved up the list of 50-plus scores as captain in Tests, placing him fifth in the elite record. Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith leads the chart with 61, followed by Ricky Ponting with 54, Border with 51 and Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq with 43.
Root’s latest milestone adds to his remarkable Test career and further strengthens his position among the format’s leading run-scorers.
The Three Lions strengthened their position against Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley on Thursday, reaching 205/4 in their first innings and taking a 34-run lead, according to the latest updates.
England had resumed Day 2 at 112/2, still 59 runs behind Pakistan’s first-innings total of 171. Jordan Cox and Root then put together a century partnership to put the hosts firmly in control.
Cox scored 73 before being dismissed by Ali Usman, while Root followed soon after for 66 off 112 deliveries, with 10 fours. Root’s half-century was his 68th in Test cricket, taking him level with Tendulkar for the most fifties in the format.
Root and Cox’s partnership helped England move past Pakistan’s total before both batters departed in quick succession.
Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence were at the crease with England on 205/4, with the hosts holding a 34-run lead.
Earlier, Pakistan were bowled out for 171 in their first innings after England won the toss and opted to bowl.
Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue starred with the ball, claiming five wickets apiece. Robinson finished with figures of 5/51, while Tongue returned figures of 5/46 as Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled in the conditions.
Pakistan’s innings received some resistance from Abdullah Shafique, who scored 61, but England’s pace attack kept the pressure on and dismissed the visitors for a modest total.
The Test also marks Root’s return as England’s captain following Ben Stokes’ retirement. Root’s side will now look to build a sizeable first-innings lead and put further pressure on Pakistan.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will need quick wickets to prevent England from establishing a commanding advantage in the first Test of the three-match series. (ANI)
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