In a remarkable display of batting prowess, England’s star player Joe Root etched his name in cricketing history once again. Root became only the second English batsman to reach the prestigious milestone of 11000 Test runs, following in the footsteps of former captain Sir Alastair Cook.
In the thrilling encounter between England and Ireland, the hosts made the bold decision to bowl first, restricting Ireland to a modest total of 172 runs on Day 1. Despite the absence of the seasoned James Anderson due to injury, Stuart Broad, the veteran speedster, showcased his brilliance by claiming a magnificent five-wicket haul, leaving the Irish batters struggling to find their rhythm.
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None of the Irish batsmen managed to surpass the 40-run mark, highlighting a lack of intent and urgency in their attacking approach. This approach ultimately proved detrimental to their team’s cause.
England, on the other hand, began their innings with a bang, courtesy of an explosive opening partnership between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. The duo’s blistering 109-run stand in just 16.3 overs set the stage for a memorable display of cricket at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
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Joe Root’s inclusion in the elite 11,000 Test runs club was imminent ahead of the match against Ireland, with the batting maestro requiring just 52 runs to achieve the feat. Employing his trademark “Bazball” style, Root unleashed a sensational innings, smashing 56 runs off 59 deliveries, including four boundaries and a towering six. With this magnificent performance, he not only became the second Englishman after Cook but also joined an esteemed group of only 11 players to have achieved this remarkable milestone. Notably, Root reached the 11,000 runs mark in 238 innings, making him the fourth slowest among the illustrious group of batsmen.
The list of players and the number of innings taken to reach 11,000 Test runs reads as follows:
1. Kumar Sangakkara – 208 innings
2. Brian Lara – 213 innings
3. Ricky Ponting – 222 innings
4. Sachin Tendulkar – 223 innings
5. Rahul Dravid – 234 innings
6. Jacques Kallis – 234 innings
7. Mahela Jayawardene – 237 innings
8. Joe Root – 238 innings
9. Alastair Cook – 252 innings
10. Shivnarine Chanderpaul – 256 innings
11. Allan Border – 259 innings
Joe Root’s remarkable achievement adds another glorious chapter to his illustrious career and solidifies his position as one of the modern-day greats of the game. As he continues to dominate the world of cricket, his contributions will undoubtedly be cherished by fans and fellow players alike.