Joe Root has written an inspiring tale of resurgence in the world of cricket. His remarkable return to form, exemplified by his 36th Test century against New Zealand, proves that falling behind does not equate to failure. Root’s journey, after a slow start in 2020, has blossomed into one of the most impressive comebacks in modern cricket.
The Struggles of 2020 and the Rise of the Fab Four
As 2020 came to a close, Root had no Test centuries to his name for the year, leaving many to question if his peak was behind him. At that time, his contemporaries—Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson—were all performing at the top of their game, earning spotlights for their consistency and runs. Root, often considered the ‘late bloomer’ among the so-called “Fab Four,” only had 17 centuries at the beginning of 2021.
A Journey of Growth: Root’s Late Blooming Career
However, Root’s story was one of patience and quiet growth. Like a tree growing strong beneath the surface, Root steadily improved and became a force to be reckoned with. In the last four years, Root has not only caught up to his competitors but surpassed them with his remarkable consistency. He has scored 19 Test centuries since 2021—more than any other player in this period. By contrast, Williamson has scored nine, while Smith and Kohli have struggled to match Root’s pace.
This is how good Joe Root is. pic.twitter.com/czReqwp8Wh
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 9, 2024
An Unstoppable Force: Root’s Impact on Cricket
Root’s resurgence has not been confined to home turf. Whether playing at home or abroad, Root’s performance has been unrelenting. In 2021, he scored six centuries; in 2022, five; and in 2023, two. This year, he has already added six more to his tally. Over the past four years, Root has scored 19 centuries, nearly matching his total for the first eight years of his career. During the Pakistan vs England series, Joe Root emerged as the second-highest run-scorer, accumulating 352 runs. His impressive performance included a double century, showcasing his consistency and skill throughout the series.
Root’s Consistency and Dominance
Root’s numbers are staggering. In the past four years, he has maintained an average of over 57, amassing a total of 5,063 runs. His consistency and dominance in Test cricket have left cricket pundits in awe. It is hard to find words that adequately describe his sustained brilliance, but terms like “extraordinary,” “unbelievable,” and “unprecedented” seem to come close.
A True Artist: Root’s Inspirational Comeback
Root’s journey is a true testament to the spirit of resilience. His comeback is like a beautifully composed symphony, where every century tells a new chapter of his remarkable story. The tough times were like a long, dark night, and in the end, they led to the creation of a star who captivated the entire cricket world.
In the ongoing second Test against New Zealand, Root scored a brilliant century off 130 balls. Root, the No. 1 ranked Test batter, reached his 36th Test century on Day 3 of the match in Wellington. He was on 98 when he played a bold ramp shot, sending a delivery from William O’Rourke flying over wicketkeeper Tom Blundell’s head for a boundary.
Root then hit another four, his 11th of the innings, before being dismissed by O’Rourke in the same over. His knock of 106 runs came to an end, after which England’s captain declared the innings.
Root’s recent performances prove that even when things seem bleak, there is always room for a comeback. His story is a beacon of hope for those who believe that hard work and determination can lead to extraordinary achievements. His career continues to shine, setting new records and inspiring the next generation of cricketers.