After dismissing New Zealand for just 125 in their first innings and taking a 155-run lead, England got off to a solid start, thanks to their openers.
As play progressed, Joe Root began to dominate the hosts’ bowlers with his classic stroke play, steadily approaching a century.
However, Root took an unconventional route to reach his 36th Test hundred, marking a milestone that set him apart.
In the 83rd over, with Root stranded on 98, Will O’Rourke delivered a good-length ball on the stumps. Root, moving across the crease, executed a reverse ramp shot, sending the ball flying over the wicketkeeper’s head and racing towards the boundary.
JOE ROOT IN STYLE 😮💨
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) December 7, 2024
What a way to bring up his century 💯
📺 Watch #NZvENG on TNT Sports and discovery+ pic.twitter.com/UOJVGBMfUi
Moments later, Root brought up his century, securing his 36th Test ton. With 19 centuries since 2021, he now holds the record for the most centuries in this period, solidifying his place in a league of his own.