Joe Root etched his name in the record books once again during the second Test against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve, Wellington. On Saturday (December 7), Root became the first English cricketer and only the fourth batter in cricket history to notch up 100 fifty-plus scores in Test cricket, solidifying his place among the game's all-time greats.

Root, the world's No. 1 Test batter, achieved this remarkable feat by scoring his 65th Test half-century in his 151st match. He now joins an elite club of players, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting. Tendulkar tops the list with an incredible 119 fifty-plus scores, including 51 centuries, followed by Kallis and Ponting, who both recorded 103 each. Root’s 100 fifty-plus scores are comprised of 35 centuries and 65 fifties in 276 innings.

Players with Most 50+ Scores in Test Cricket:

• Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 119
• Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 103
• Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 103
• Joe Root (England) – 100
• Rahul Dravid (India) – 99

Root’s contribution came as England dominated the second Test, building a massive 533-run lead by the end of Day 2. After a shaky start, where they were reduced to 43/4, England recovered thanks to a brilliant 174-run fifth-wicket partnership between Harry Brook (123 off 115 balls) and Ollie Pope (66 off 78 balls). Their efforts helped England post 280 runs in the first innings. New Zealand's Nathan Smith was the standout bowler, claiming 4/86.