Joe Root equals Sachin Tendulkar’s record

Root reaches his 68th Test fifty against Pakistan to equal Tendulkar’s record

England captain Joe Root further enhanced his reputation as one of Test cricket’s most prolific batters on Thursday, equalling Indian great Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most half-centuries in the history of the format during England’s first Test against Pakistan at Headingley.

Root reached his 68th Test fifty on the second day of the opening Test, bringing him level with Tendulkar at the top of the all-time list. The England batter, however, was unable to convert the milestone into another major score, falling for 66 off 112 deliveries.

His innings was marked by authority and patience, with Root striking ten boundaries as he helped England establish a commanding position after Pakistan were dismissed for just 171 in their first innings.

The latest achievement adds another significant landmark to Root’s extraordinary Test career. With 68 half-centuries now to his name, he has drawn level with Tendulkar, while former West Indies batter Shivnarine Chanderpaul occupies third place on the list with 66 fifties.

Australia’s Allan Border and India’s Rahul Dravid are joint-fourth with 63 Test half-centuries apiece.

Root’s consistency has been one of the defining features of his career, and his latest milestone underlined his ability to contribute heavily to England’s batting effort even when he does not go on to score a century.

Root also strengthened his standing among the most successful Test captains when it comes to producing scores of 50 or more.

His 66 at Headingley was his 42nd Test score of at least 50 as England captain, moving him into fifth place on the all-time list.

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith leads the rankings with 61 such scores, followed by Australia’s Ricky Ponting with 54 and Allan Border with 51. Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq is fourth with 43, leaving Root just one score behind him.

The figures underline the remarkable consistency Root displayed during his tenure as England captain and add another statistical achievement to a career already packed with records and milestones.

England’s strong batting display also put them firmly in control of the first Test after Pakistan had been bowled out for 171.

The hosts began the second day at 112 for two, still 59 runs behind Pakistan’s modest first-innings total. By the close of play, however, England had surged to 366 for eight, establishing a substantial 195-run first-innings advantage.

A series of useful partnerships transformed the complexion of the contest, with Root playing an important role in one of the most significant stands of the day.

He joined forces with debutant Jordan Cox, and the pair produced a century partnership that put England in a commanding position. Cox impressed on debut with a composed 73, showing considerable temperament as he helped England move decisively ahead of Pakistan.

Cox eventually fell to Ali Usman, ending an important contribution for the hosts. Root followed soon afterwards, dismissed for 66 after having helped England build the platform for their sizeable lead.

Despite losing wickets towards the latter stages of the day, England remained firmly in control at stumps, with an advantage of 195 runs and the opportunity to push for an even bigger total when play resumes.