Alastair Cook, the former England captain and Test cricket legend, praised Joe Root’s exceptional batting performance after his historic century against Sri Lanka at Lord’s. Root’s 34th Test century broke Cook’s record for most centuries by an English player.
Cook, considered one of England’s greatest red-ball players, was present at Lord’s when Root achieved this milestone. With two centuries in the ongoing Test match, Root surpassed Cook’s record of 33 centuries to become England’s leading century scorer in Test matches.
Alastair Cook’s Reaction to Joe Root’s 34th Test Century
Cook commended Root’s achievement, calling him “England’s greatest” and acknowledging his rightful place in history. As Root’s former captain in his early Test matches, Cook expressed admiration for the current captain’s genius on the field.
“He is quite simply England’s greatest, and it’s absolutely right that he should have this record, on his own. Take it in, Joe. We are watching a genius,” Cook remarked during BBC’s Test Match Special commentary.
Joe Root’s Pursuit of Alastair Cook’s Test Runs Tally
Root needs 95 runs to surpass Cook’s career runs in Test cricket. Cook, excited about this prospect, highlighted how Root could achieve this feat in just one game.
If Root scores another 96 runs, he will become England’s highest run-scorer in Test cricket, overtaking Cook.
| Alastair Cook | 12472 |
| Joe Root | 12377 |
A special moment for Joe Root as he reaches 34 Test hundreds.
The man whose record he surpasses was watching on.
Sir Alastair Cook 🤝 Joe Root#bbccricket pic.twitter.com/EjjH9zd0mc
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) August 31, 2024