England’s Joe Root added another feather to his illustrious cap during the second Test against New Zealand at Basin Reserve, Wellington. Root became the first England player and the fourth overall in cricket history to notch up 100 or more fifty-plus scores in the longest format of the game.
Joe Root Becomes the Fourth Player with 100 or More 50+ Scores C
Root’s milestone came during England’s second innings when he ended Day 2 unbeaten on 73 off 106 balls. During his innings, the English stalwart added 5 boundaries in his innings. Root now has 35 centuries and 65 fifties to his name.
Root now joins an elite club of cricketers with 100 or more fifty-plus scores in Test cricket.
Players with Most 50+ scores in Test Cricket:
- Sachin Tendulkar: 119
- Ricky Ponting: 103
- Jacques Kallis: 103
England’s Dominance in the Second Test
England’s dominance was evident as they built a massive 533-run lead by the end of Day 2. After being asked to bat first, England recovered from 43/4 with a brilliant 174-run fifth-wicket partnership between Harry Brook (123 off 115 balls, 11 fours, five sixes) and Ollie Pope (66 off 78 balls, seven fours, one six).
The Blackcaps’ bowlers bundled England out for 280 in 54.4 overs in the first innings. Nathan Smith was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4/86.
In reply, New Zealand‘s batters failed to keep going against the English pacers. Kane Williamson’s 37 was the only bright spot as they were bowled out for a meager 125. Mark Atkinson (4/31) and Brydon Carse (4/46) were the chief destroyers, leaving New Zealand trailing by 155 runs.
England’s second innings was however better. Contributions came from Ben Duckett (92 off 112 balls, six fours, one six), Jacob Bethell (96 off 118 balls, 10 fours, three sixes), Harry Brook (55 off 61 balls, five fours), and Root’s unbeaten 73. The team ended Day 2 at 378/5, leaving New Zealand facing an uphill battle.
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