Joe Root draws level with Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record for scoring most fifties in Test cricket

England captain Joe Root reached a historic milestone in Test cricket by equalling Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most half‑centuries in the format.

Joe Root achieved a major milestone in international Test cricket. The England Test captain equalled one of Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary records of scoring the most half-centuries in the game’s longest format.

England have remained in a commanding position over Pakistan in the Headingley Test on Friday. After restricting Pakistan to a paltry 171, the Three Lions quickly grasped a lead in the game.

Captain Root scored 66 off 112 deliveries, smashing ten boundaries at a strike rate of 58.93 before being dismissed by Khurram Shahzad. England’s middle order contributed immensely as they reached 366/8 at stumps on day two of action.

Root levels with Tendulkar in elite feat

Root reached his milestone 68th Test fifty on day two of the ENG vs PAK Test at Leeds, which levelled him with Tendulkar in the all-time list for the most half-centuries in the game’s longest format.

The English captain reached the record in just 163 Test matches, while Tendulkar achieved the feat in 200 matches.

Root is also closing in on the list of all-time run-scorers in Test cricket and is a spot behind the legendary Indian cricketer, who leads with 15921 runs. The English cricketer currently has 14180 and is gradually levelling up.

Check out the players with the most fifties in Test cricket

Joe Root (England) – 68*

Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 68

Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies) – 66

Allan Border (Australia) – 63

Rahul Dravid (India) – 63

Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 62

England maintain stronghold over PAK

Root began day two action alongside Jordan Cox and went on to seize control of the match to forge a century partnership, helping England maintain their stronghold over Pakistan in Leeds.

Cox struck a brilliant 100-ball 73 before being dismissed by Ali Usman, while Root was dismissed via LBW by Khurram Shahzad.

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Harry Brook also delivered a clinical 91-run knock, while Dan Lawrence contributed 51 runs. Wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith and Jofra Archer batted until stumps on day two and would be back in action on day three.