Joe Root Equals Sachin Tendulkar’s Test Fifty Record

Joe Root drew level with Sachin Tendulkar for the most fifties in Test cricket after reaching his 68th half-century during England’s first Test against Pakistan at Headingley on Thursday. Root made 66 from 112 deliveries, striking 10 boundaries, as England moved into a first-innings lead on Day 2.

The England Test skipper’s latest milestone put him alongside Tendulkar at the top of the list for 50-plus scores in the longest format. Root’s innings also helped England recover from their overnight position and pass Pakistan’s first-innings total of 171.

At the latest update, England were 205/4 in their first innings, leading Pakistan by 34 runs. Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence were at the crease after Root and Jordan Cox departed in quick succession.

Root reaches 68 Test fifties

Root brought up his fifty on the second day of the match before his innings ended on 66. His 68th Test half-century matched the mark held by Tendulkar, with the pair now sharing the record for the most fifties in Test cricket.

West Indies batter Shivnarine Chanderpaul is next on the list with 66 Test fifties. Former Australia captain Allan Border and India’s Rahul Dravid follow with 63 each.

The achievement is another significant entry in Root’s Test record. The source noted that he is also pursuing Tendulkar’s larger benchmark for the most runs in Test history, while this innings added another 50-plus score to his tally in the format.

Root has also climbed the list of players with the most 50-plus scores as captain in Tests. His tally of 42 places him fifth on that chart. Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith leads with 61, followed by Ricky Ponting on 54, Border on 51 and Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq on 43.

For England, Root’s score had immediate value beyond the individual landmark. England resumed Day 2 on 112/2, still 59 runs behind Pakistan, and Root combined with Cox to turn the innings in the hosts’ favour.

England take control after Pakistan’s 171

Pakistan were bowled out for 171 in their first innings after England won the toss and chose to bowl. Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue took five wickets each, with Robinson returning 5/51 and Tongue finishing with 5/46.

Abdullah Shafique offered Pakistan resistance with 61, but England’s bowling attack dismissed the visitors for a modest first-innings total. That created the platform for England’s batters to build a response on the second day.

Root and Cox then shared a century partnership, taking England beyond Pakistan’s total and into a position of control. Cox made 73 before Ali Usman dismissed him. Root followed shortly afterwards, but not before completing the half-century that moved him alongside Tendulkar.

With Brook and Lawrence unbeaten at 205/4, England held a 34-run lead in the first Test of the three-match series. England will seek to extend that advantage, while Pakistan need wickets quickly to limit the hosts’ first-innings total.

The match also marks Root’s return as England captain following Ben Stokes’ retirement, according to the source. His score of 66 ensured that his first Test in that role came with a major individual milestone as well as a valuable contribution to England’s position in the game.