Sun Dec 08 07:03:43 UTC 2024: ## Root Surpasses Dravid, Closes in on Sachin’s Record with 36th Test Century

**Wellington, New Zealand** – England’s former captain Joe Root continued his sensational run of form, smashing a magnificent century in the second Test against New Zealand on Sunday. This milestone achievement propelled him past Indian legend Rahul Dravid to become the fifth highest century-maker in Test cricket history.

Root’s 36th Test century brings him closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 51 centuries. He now trails only Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka), Ricky Ponting (Australia), Jacques Kallis (South Africa), and Tendulkar in the all-time list. Root needs a further 15 centuries to equal Tendulkar’s mark.

This impressive innings helped England set New Zealand a daunting 583-run target to win the second Test. England declared their second innings at 427/6 after Root’s dismissal, putting them in a commanding position to win the series. Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, and Harry Brook also contributed significant fifties.

England already leads the three-match series 1-0 after a victory in the first Test. Their first innings score of 280 was followed by New Zealand’s paltry 125, giving England a substantial first-innings lead of 155 runs.

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