Joe Root’s record century gives England edge over Sri Lanka on Day 3 of Lord’s Test

On day 3, Joe Root gave a batting masterclass at Lord’s in England, scoring his second Test century and the 34th of his illustrious career. Root’s exceptional knock of 103 followed his maiden score of 143, making him the top scorer of the century In EnglandTest history, it passes Alastair Cook‘s 33 Explore hundreds. In the process, Root also became the leading Test run-scorer at Lord’s and came close to breaking Cook’s record for most runs in England. His innings was the backbone of England’s strategy, as they set Sri Lanka a tough target of 483 runs to win.

Joe Root’s historic century leads England to dominance

Root’s composure was evident as he navigated the morning routine with little trouble. His fifty came from 65 balls, highlighted by a well-timed punch down the ground Prabath Jayasuriya. After a while, Root switched gears, attacking the spinner with three boundaries in quick succession. Despite Sri Lanka’s efforts to get out of the English batting line-up, Root remained steadfast. In the end he was the last man out, taking a tired breath Lahiru Kumara to backward square leg. Root’s brisk century partnership with Harry Brook he was the essence of the morning program, he laid a solid foundation for England’s rule.

3️⃣4️⃣th Test Hundred for Joe Root 🔥🔥

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Morning session and important interaction

England’s innings resumed at 25 for 1 behind Dan Lawrence‘s dismissal at the end of the second day. Initially, they lost wickets but managed to settle down thanks to the partnership between Root and Brook. Brook’s knock of 37 off 36 balls included a crucial missed opportunity where Nishan Madushka take him out on the 9th. Brook’s innings featured a powerful slog-sweep from Jayasuriya that cleared the Tavern Stand, although he was eventually dismissed by the spinner. England’s batting led to many key players being dropped under pressure. Ollie PopeEngland’s standing captain, made 17 points before scoring We hate Fernando. Ben Duckett he was the first to enter the innings, he was dismissed in a reasonable manner as Angel Matthews grabs the rebound down.

ALSO READ: ENG vs SL: Fans roar as Joe Root breaks Alastair Cook’s record with 34th century on day 3 of Lord’s Test

The impact of Mpande’s knock

Root’s performance was accompanied by a powerful century partnership with Brook. With no wickets falling his way, Root’s calm and controlled approach allowed England to build their total successfully. His innings was marked by a variety of strokes, including a sequence of boundaries that accelerated the strike rate. Root’s ability to adapt and push the tempo had a huge impact, as he brought up his century in just 111 balls, making it his fastest Test century.

As England neared their declaration, Root was joined Olly Stone. The pair added crucial runs before Stone was caught at fine leg. Root’s final dismissal came when Kumara was upstaged, leading to his departure as tea time approached. England’s innings, while marked by Root’s brilliance, also included contributions from other batsmen, although they were often dismissed under pressure.

Sri Lanka strives to pursue a great goal

Faced with a huge task of chasing 483 runs, Sri Lanka’s second innings got off to a good start. Nishan Madushkwho fell first, Mpande was caught Gus Atkinson after scoring 13 runs from 25 deliveries. Dimuth Karunaratnecaptain, showed resilience by scoring an unbeaten 23 off 48 balls, but Sri Lanka struggled to build a partnership. Pathum Nissanka also fell to Root, caught by Stone after scoring 14 runs off 24 balls.

At stumps, due to poor light, Sri Lanka ended the day at 53/2 after 20 overs, Jayasuriya unbeaten on 3 runs from 23 balls alongside Karunaratne. With 430 runs still needed to win, Sri Lanka have a long way to go. In the bowling department, Atkinson and Stone were the best performers, each taking a wicket. Atkinson conceded 15 runs in his 4 overs, while Stone conceded just one run in his lone over.

Another happy day 👏

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– England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 31, 2024

ALSO WATCH: England captain Ollie Pope hits bull’s-eye to dismiss Lahiru Kumara on Day 2 of 2nd Test