Joe Root hits his 32nd Test hundred, levels with Steve Smith and Kane Williamson for most Test centuries among active players
England's ace batter Joe Root struck his 32nd hundred on Day 4 of the second Test against the West Indies at the Trent Bridge Stadium in Nottingham. With that, the right-hander has equaled Australia's Steve Smith and New Zealand's Kane Williamson for the most Test centuries among the current crop.
The incident occurred in the 84th over of the innings as Alzarri Joseph sent down a wide half volley and Root leaned on it and drove through the deep point region. However, the former England captain didn't follow it up with any animated celebration and only hugged his partner Gus Atkinson before continuing to bat again.
The Yorkshire batter also had the opportunity to get a hundred in the opening Test at Lord's, but Gudakesh Motie bowled him for 68 with a peach.
England lose wickets around Joe Root but rebound in commanding fashion
Despite being reduced to 386-9 at one stage on Day 3, the tourists took a handy 41-run lead after the 71-run stand between Joshua Da Silva and Shamar Joseph.
The Englishmen began Day 4 ahead by 207, with the score standing at 248-3. Harry Brook scored his maiden Test hundred on home soil before falling to Jayden Seales for 109. The visitors also managed to nip out Ben Stokes (8) and Jamie Smith (6) before lunch to leave England slightly bothered. The Caribbeans also hit back with the wicket of Zak Crawley, who registered another single-figure score.
However, the 33-year-old Root was immovable and continued to swell England's lead along with the tailenders. Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett also joined hands, playing briskly.
Although Alzarri Joseph dismissed Pope and Duckett, West Indies failed to spark the collapse they needed to. West Indies trail the three-match series by 1-0 after losing by an innings and 114 runs at Lord's.