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Run-machine Joe Root's record-equaling 33rd Test century played a crucial role in England's strong performance on Day 1 of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's on August 29.
Joe Root shines with 33rd Test century
Root's flawless 143 runs were the foundation of the hosts' 358/7 total. England might have faced significant difficulties without Root's contribution, as they were surprisingly asked to bat first by Sri Lanka on a favorable pitch under ideal weather conditions. Many England batters were responsible for their own dismissals, including makeshift opener Dan Lawrence, caught behind for nine, and stand-in captain Ollie Pope, who was caught off a poor pull for only one.
Root's crucial partnerships with Brook, Smith and Atkinson
Root added 48 with Harry Brook and 62 alongside Jamie Smith, but it was only in a seventh-wicket stand of 92 with Gus Atkinson that England truly capitalized on the conditions. Root's controlled innings was ended by a momentary lapse in judgment, as his attempted reverse-scoop ended in the hands of point. Atkinson remained at the crease, completing his maiden Test half-century and aggressively attacking the second new ball, scoring an unbeaten 74. He was joined by Matthew Potts, who was not out on 20. Their partnership has reached 50 runs and is continuing to grow.
Sri Lanka was taken aback by the decision to field first, which was revealed by Dhananjaya de Silva before the start of play. Despite recent trends favoring bowling at Lord's, the conditions did not support this decision. England captain Ollie Pope had intended to bat first.
Sri Lanka's decision might still be justified. The pitch could potentially become more conducive to batting as the game progresses.
There were moments during the day when Sri Lanka had the upper hand. England were reduced to 82-3 and 130-4. The seamers bowled aggressively from the Pavilion End, while spinner Prabath Jayasuriya applied pressure from the Nursery End, and England's batting was inconsistent.
However, Root held the innings together and later found support from the increasingly impressive Atkinson. Their partnership allowed England to gain momentum.
Root's dismissal was a positive development for Sri Lanka, but despite England's runs on the board, their total feels relatively par. If Sri Lanka can dismiss the tail efficiently on Day 2, they have a chance to make a significant impact on the game.
Root's exceptional performance in the first Test in Manchester, where he guided England to victory, continued into the second Test. He seamlessly carried on his form, scoring a century of the highest quality. This sixth Test ton at Lord's allowed Root to share the record for the most Test centuries by an England batsman with Sir Alastair Cook. Moreover, Root is now poised to surpass Cook as England's all-time leading Test run-scorer.
While other England batsmen struggled to capitalize on the conditions, Root appeared destined to reach three figures from the moment he clipped his first ball for four. His signature strokes included deft flicks through the on side and elegant guides to third man and cover drive.
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Root faced a few close calls during his innings, including a tight lbw decision against Lahiru Kumara on 11 and an inside edge past his stumps off Milan Rathnayake on 59. However, he maintained his composure and continued to score runs at a steady pace. A brief period of struggle on 99, including another close call against Kumara, did not deter Root. He eventually reached his century with a well-timed shot past slip. Root was scoring quickly with Atkinson when he attempted a reverse-scoop against Rathnayake, resulting in the ball being caught by Pathum Nissanka. While this shot was unnecessary, especially with the second new ball approaching, it does not detract from Root's exceptional performance.
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