On Sunday, September 7, England’s star batter Joe Root scored his 19th ODI century, drawing level with Pakistan captain Babar Azam on the list of ODI hundreds. Root has been in sensational form, amassing plenty of runs in the recent five-match Test series against India and carrying that momentum into the ODI series against South Africa.
In the third ODI, Root reached his milestone in style, crafting his century off just 95 balls, showcasing his impeccable shot-making. With this century, Root joins Babar Azam, West Indies legend Brian Lara, and Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene, all of whom have 19 ODI hundreds.
Already England’s leading ODI century-maker, Root has now amassed 58 international hundreds overall, surpassing former England captain Eoin Morgan, who finished with 13 ODI hundreds. Root achieved his 19th ODI century in his 172nd innings, whereas Babar reached the mark in just 131 innings.
Root Hits 10th Home ODI Century As England Bounce Back
Root’s century at the Rose Bowl marked his 10th ODI hundred on home soil and helped England post a commanding total in the third ODI, bouncing back after losing the first two matches of the series. In this match, Root came to the crease after Ben Duckett’s dismissal in the ninth over and kept the scoreboard ticking in his trademark style.
Smiling broadly as Jacob Bethell hugged him to celebrate the milestone, Joe Root once again underlined his class and experience. While Bethell embodies England’s future, Root remains their present, and his outstanding century marked his 19th in ODIs.
South Africa had won the opening game by seven wickets and then edged England by five runs at Lord’s on Thursday, keeping the series tight. After winning the toss, South Africa opted to bowl first in pursuit of a series sweep, but England countered with aggressive stroke-play.
Root reached his 44th ODI fifty and 172nd in all formats, demonstrating composure and skill. Bethell impressed with his shots, briefly drawing attention, while Root’s steady and composed innings ensured England posted a strong total, underlining his key role in the team.
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