Root hits record-equalling century in third Test

Joe Root continued his irresistible run of form with a record-equalling sixth century of the year yesterday as England roared into an untouchable position on day two of the third LV= Insurance Test against India.

The captain matched the feats of Denis Compton in 1947 and Michael Vaughan in 2002 as he made it six of the very best in front of his home crowd at Headingley, reeling off a highclass 121 to help open up a colossal 345-run lead.

By stumps England were 423 for eight, with the recalled Dawid Malan offering an accomplished 70 in his first Test innings after three years on the shelf.

Root has long been seen as the standard bearer for a generation of English batsmen but has ascended to a whole new level in 2021, scoring 1,398 in 11 Tests at a staggering average of 69.90. He now has 23 Test centuries in all, topped and tailed by homecoming hundreds in front of his Yorkshire faithful.

England arrived at the ground hot on the heels of a near perfect first day, during which they dismissed the tourists for 78 after losing the toss and reached stumps on 120 without loss.

Only a remarkable turnaround could have dragged India back into contention, but the presence of Root, pictured, in his new unstoppable incarnation meant that was never going to happen.

Since the start of the series he has already scored 109 in a draw at Trent Bridge, 180 not out in defeat at Lord’s and now he will surely complete the set, with England enormous favourites to square the ledger at 1-1.