Joe Root, the talismanic English cricketer and former captain of the Test team, has etched his name in the annals of cricket history with his remarkable batting prowess. One of the most striking aspects of Root’s career is his ability to convert starts into big scores, as evident from his impressive tally of double centuries.
In this article, we delve into five of Root’s monumental double hundreds, highlighting his mastery at the crease and the impact he has had on the game.
Joe Root Double Centuries in Test Cricket
| RUNS | BALLS | 4s | 6s | OPPOSITION | GROUND | YEAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200* | 298 | 16 | 0 | Sri Lanka | Lord’s | 2014 |
| 254 | 406 | 27 | 0 | Pakistan | Manchester | 2016 |
| 226 | 441 | 22 | 1 | New Zealand | Hamilton | 2019 |
| 228 | 321 | 18 | 1 | Sri Lanka | Galle | 2021 |
| 218 | 377 | 19 | 2 | India | Chennai | 2021 |
1. 200* against Sri Lanka at Lord’s in 2014
Root’s first double-century came against Sri Lanka at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Batting with immense composure and technical brilliance, he remained unbeaten on 200, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings.
Root’s knock played a pivotal role in England’s draw against Sri Lanka and set the tone for his future batting exploits.
2. 254 against Pakistan in Manchester in 2016
In a Test match against Pakistan at Old Trafford, Root produced an innings of sheer dominance. His majestic 254, crafted with elegant stroke play and impeccable shot selection, left the opposition in awe.
This monumental knock propelled England to a commanding victory and solidified Root’s reputation as a premier batsman.
3. 226 against New Zealand in Hamilton in 2019
During England’s tour of New Zealand, Root displayed his class once again by amassing 226 runs in a marathon innings. His patience, resilience, and unwavering concentration were on full display as he anchored England’s batting line-up.
Root’s double hundred ensured that England set a formidable total, which helped England draw the match.
4. 228 against Sri Lanka in Galle in 2021
Facing Sri Lanka in challenging subcontinental conditions, Root’s batting prowess shone brightly in Galle. His masterful 228 showcased his adaptability and skill to counter spin bowling.
Root’s gritty knock paved the way for England’s victory and further cemented his reputation as one of the finest batsmen in the modern era.
5. 218 against India in Chennai in 2021
In a highly challenging series against India, Root’s double century in Chennai stood out as a remarkable achievement. Displaying exemplary technique and temperament, he mesmerized the Indian bowlers with his fluent stroke play.
His double hundred laid the foundation for England’s resounding victory and demonstrated his ability to excel in high-pressure encounters.
Final Thoughts
Joe Root’s ability to amass double centuries at critical junctures of Test matches is a testament to his exceptional batting skills, mental fortitude, and consistent hunger for runs. His double hundreds have not only propelled England to victories but also showcased his ability to dominate world-class bowling attacks across various conditions.
Root’s contribution to English cricket is immeasurable, and his double centuries stand as towering achievements in the history of the game. As he continues to pile on the runs, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate more awe-inspiring performances from this batting maestro.
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