NEW DELHI: Joe Root etched his name in the record books by striking a record-equalling 33rd Test hundred on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s on Thursday. Root’s remarkable innings placed England in a commanding position as they ended the day at 358 for 7 after being at 42 for 2 when Root took to the crease. His century, scoring 143 runs, was his sixth Test ton at Lord’s.

Root found support in Gus Atkinson, who remained unbeaten at 74 and shared a crucial seventh-wicket partnership of 92 runs in 19 overs. Despite early wobbles, England managed to build a solid total thanks to Root’s masterclass with the bat.

Ollie Pope faced more struggles as the stand-in captain, registering his third single-figure score in a row. Sri Lanka took three wickets before lunch after winning the toss and opting to field first under sunny conditions.

Ben Duckett provided a fiery start, hitting three fours off Asitha Fernando, but England suffered early setbacks with Dan Lawrence’s dismissal for nine. Pope fell for just one, and Root survived a strong lbw appeal before steering England to a more stable position.

Root’s knock included crucial partnerships with Harry Brook (33) and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith (21). Despite some hiccups, England managed to build a solid score, with Root’s century being the standout performance of the day.

Root’s century propelled him to joint-tenth place in the all-time list of Test century-makers, equalling Alastair Cook’s record of 33 centuries but achieving the feat in fewer matches. His milestone also cements his status as one of the top Test centurions in the modern era.

Root’s eventual dismissal for 143 saw Gus Atkinson taking charge, aggressively scoring runs and reaching his maiden Test fifty in style. Atkinson’s late surge helped England end the day on a high note, closing at 358 for 7.