Has Joe Root Surpassed Steve Smith for Most Test Hundreds Among Active Cricketers?
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Synopsis
Joe Root's remarkable journey in Test cricket reaches new heights as he surpasses Steve Smith for the most Test centuries among active players. His latest achievement at Lord's not only highlights his skill but also his love for the game. Discover how Root's consistency and dedication have set him apart in cricket history.
Key Takeaways
- Joe Root has 37 Test centuries, surpassing Steve Smith.
- He became the first player to score 3,000 Test runs against India.
- Root has the most centuries at Lord’s (8) in its 141-year Test history.
- He achieved this milestone in three consecutive Tests at Lord’s.
- Root is now the leading active century-maker in Test cricket.
London, July 11 (NationPress) Joe Root has successfully penned another remarkable chapter in his outstanding Test career on Friday at Lord’s, as he skillfully notched his 37th Test century during the third Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series. This achievement positions him as the most prolific active century-maker in Test cricket.
Resuming Day 2 of the match against India on 99 not out, Root reached his milestone with an elegant boundary off the very first ball, slicing Jasprit Bumrah through gully for four runs. It was a fitting start to his first century of the ongoing series.
In addition to this achievement, Root became the first player globally to amass 3,000 Test runs against India, reaching this landmark in just 60 innings since his debut against them in 2012. He also matched Steve Smith with 11 Test centuries against India, the highest by any player in history.
While Smith reached this milestone in only 46 innings, Root’s tally highlights his remarkable consistency and longevity at the elite level. Only legends such as Don Bradman (19 vs England), Jack Hobbs (12 vs Australia), and Sunil Gavaskar (13 vs West Indies) have more centuries against a single opponent in Test history.
What makes Root’s accomplishment even more special is the context: this marks his eighth Test century at Lord’s, making him the leading century-maker at this iconic venue in its 141-year Test history, surpassing greats like Graham Gooch and Michael Vaughan, who each had six centuries at the ground.
Root's fondness for Lord’s has now resulted in him scoring hundreds in three consecutive Tests at the venue, following impressive scores of 143 and 103 in his previous two innings—a rare feat only matched by Sir Jack Hobbs and Michael Vaughan among Englishmen.
With this innings, Root has eclipsed Steve Smith (36 centuries) to become the leading Test centurion among active players. Only four players in the annals of cricket history now stand ahead of him: Sachin Tendulkar (51), Jacques Kallis (45), Ricky Ponting (41), and Kumar Sangakkara (38).
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the historical significance of Joe Root's accomplishments. His dedication to the sport and ability to perform consistently at the highest level reflects not just personal achievement but also the pride of NationPress in showcasing such talent. This narrative not only celebrates Root's success but also the rich history of Test cricket.
NationPress
13/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Test centuries does Joe Root have?
Joe Root has a total of 37 Test centuries, making him the leading active century-maker in Test cricket.
Against which team has Joe Root scored the most Test runs?
Joe Root is the first player to score 3,000 Test runs against India.
What record did Joe Root achieve at Lord's?
Joe Root became the leading century-maker at Lord's with his eighth Test hundred at the venue.
Who are the other players ahead of Joe Root in Test centuries?
The players ahead of Joe Root in Test centuries are Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis, Ricky Ponting, and Kumar Sangakkara.
