Published : 21 Aug 2026, 06:54 AM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:34 AM
Joe Root has matched Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most 50-plus scores in Test cricket, hitting his 68th fifty against Pakistan at Headingley.
Root scored 66, lacing his 112-ball knock with 10 fours, before being dismissed at Headingley on Thursday.
He joined Tendulkar at the top of the list, with West Indies great Shivnarine Chanderpaul next on 66. Allan Border and Rahul Dravid have 63 each.
Root also moved to fifth for most 50-plus scores as a Test captain, with 42. Graeme Smith leads with 61, followed by Ricky Ponting (54), Border (51) and Misbah-ul-Haq (43).
England reached 366 for 8, taking a 195-run lead after Pakistan were bowled out for a measly 171.
Root and Jordan Cox put together a century stand before Cox fell for 73 to Ali Usman. Root followed soon after.
Earlier, Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue took 5 wickets apiece, finishing with 5-51 and 5-46 respectively. Abdullah Shafique top-scored for Pakistan with 61.
The Test marks Root’s return as captain following Ben Stokes’ retirement. England now seek a commanding lead, while Pakistan need quick wickets.
