Joe Root’s Remarkable Rise:
In the world of Test cricket, Joe Root has recently achieved a remarkable milestone. As of September 2024, Root has become the English player with the most Test centuries, surpassing the legendary Sir Alastair Cook. With 34 centuries to his name, Root now holds the record for England. His achievement is even more notable as he has outstripped Virat Kohli, who has 29 centuries in Tests. Root’s rise in the cricketing world has been nothing short of extraordinary. 
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Focus on One Format
One of the primary reasons for Joe Root’s impressive record is his decision to focus solely on Test cricket. Since May 2019, Root has concentrated exclusively on Test matches, stepping back from Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) and playing limited one-day internationals (ODIs). During this period, England has played 69 Test matches, and Root has been a part of 68 of them. His dedication to Test cricket has allowed him to put all his energy into scoring runs and centuries in this format.
In contrast, Virat Kohli has continued to participate in all three formats of the game. Since 2019, Kohli has played in 47 Tests, 105 ODIs, and 60 T20Is. His involvement in multiple formats has required him to divide his focus and energy. This broader commitment to international cricket has likely impacted his performance in Tests. Kohli’s concentration on various formats, coupled with frequent changes in playing conditions and team demands, might have affected his ability to consistently score centuries in Tests.
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Benefits from England’s Changing Pitches
Another significant factor in Root’s recent success has been the change in pitch conditions in England. Before May 2022, English pitches were known for their grass cover, which offered assistance to fast bowlers and made batting challenging. However, with the arrival of new coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, England adopted an aggressive batting strategy known as “Bazball.” This strategy brought about changes in pitch preparation.
Under Bazball, pitches in England have become flatter, providing fewer difficulties for batsmen. This shift has made it easier to score runs. Root has thrived under these conditions, scoring seven centuries in 18 Tests at home since the change. In contrast, he managed only two centuries in ten Tests abroad during the same period. The flatter pitches have allowed Root to score at a higher rate, with two centuries every five Tests in England compared to his previous rate of two centuries every eight Tests.
Kohli, on the other hand, has faced increasingly challenging conditions in India. Since the 2021 series against England, Indian pitches have been altered to favor spin bowlers from the start of the match. This change has made batting increasingly difficult, resulting in fewer runs and centuries. Over the past three years, Kohli has scored only one century at home, and foreign players have struggled similarly. The challenging conditions have made it harder for all batsmen, including Kohli, to maintain their form.
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Increased Opportunities
The volume of Test matches played has also played a role in Root’s success. England’s packed cricket calendar has given Root more opportunities to score runs. Since 2019, England has played 69 Test matches, with Root participating in 68 of them. This frequency has allowed Root to accumulate runs and centuries at a faster pace.
In contrast, India has played 47 Tests during the same period. Kohli has participated in 37 of these matches. The difference in the number of matches played has provided Root with more chances to score centuries. England’s frequent Test matches have contributed significantly to Root’s rise in the Test rankings.
Comparing Records and Performance
As of September 2024, Joe Root has 34 Test centuries, while Virat Kohli has 29. Root’s record includes 21 centuries scored in England and nine in countries like India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and New Zealand. However, Root has yet to score a century in Australia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, or the UAE. Kohli, on the other hand, has scored centuries in every Test-playing nation except Bangladesh, including six centuries in Australia and five in England, South Africa, and New Zealand.
The difference in their records highlights the impact of conditions and opportunities on their performances. While Root has excelled in England and has taken advantage of favorable pitches, Kohli has shown consistency across different countries. Root’s lack of centuries in certain countries suggests that his success has been heavily influenced by home conditions.
Image Courtesy : Official Instagram Pages of Virat Kohli, We Are England Insta Page and Joe Root
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