Joe Root smashes his 64th Test fifty: Key stats
What's the story
Joe Root played a match-winning knock in England's 2nd innings during the first Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford, Manchester. England (205/5) chased down Sri Lanka's target on Day 4 to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Root, who scored 42 runs in the first innings, chipped in with an unbeaten 62 in the 2nd innings. Here we decode his stats.
Knock
Root's presence lifts England
Root, who is England's Mr. Reliable in Tests, was there for the side in a tricky run-chase. England were 56/2 when Root came in and were 70/3 soon thereafter. However, the presence of Root helped the Three Lions stay afloat. He added 49 runs alongside Harry Brook and another 64 runs with Jamie Smith. He hit the winning runs with a four.
Runs
Root averages 61.38 versus the Lankans
With scores worth 42 and 62*, Root has raced to 12,131 runs in Tests. He averages 50.33. Root owns 64 half-centuries and 32 tons. As per ESPNcricinfo, in 11 matches versus Sri Lanka, he owns 1,105 runs at 61.38. He has smashed 4 tons and 2 fifties. Root is closing in on 6,500 runs at home. He has 6,487 runs at 54.51.
Feats
3rd most fifties in Test cricket
Root's 64th fifty saw him surpass Allan Border and Rahul Dravid (63 each) in terms of half-centuries in Test cricket. He is now only behind Sachin Tendulkar (68) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (66). Root hammered his 8th fifty-plus score at Old Trafford, Manchester (Tests). It's the most by any batter here. He steered clear of Ian Bell and Denis Compton (7 each).
Information
Another record for Root
As per Cricbuzz, Root now owns 10 50+ scores in 4th innings (Tests) for England. Only, Mike Atherton and Alastair Cook own more 50+ scores in the 4th innings with 11 each. Root equalled Geoffrey Boycott (10).