England’s Run Machine Joe Root Becomes First To Reach THIS ODI Milestone

Joe Root scored his 19th ODI century in the third and final match against South Africa at The Rose Bowl in Southampton. The England batter became the first from his country to reach the landmark.

Batting first, England got a solid start from openers Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith. Smith added quick runs with Root as the score moved past 100.

At 117 for 2, Jacob Bethell joined Root and the pair stitched a huge 182-run partnership. Bethell hit 110 with 13 fours and three sixes before being dismissed by Keshav Maharaj.

Harry Brook was run out for 3, but Jos Buttler kept the momentum going. He smashed 62 from 32 balls in a 69-run stand with Root. Root reached his hundred from 95 deliveries before falling soon after.

In the final overs, Will Jacks contributed 19 off 8 as England finished on 414 for 5 in 50 overs.
Root now has 19 ODI centuries, the most by any England batter. No other English player has even touched 15.

This was also his 10th ODI ton at home, making him the first England batter to reach double figures in home conditions. Globally, he is the 12th player to achieve this milestone.

Across formats, Root has 58 international centuries for England. Former captain Alastair Cook is next on the list with 38. Out of Root’s total, 39 hundreds have come in Test cricket, confirming his position as England’s most prolific batter in the format.