WATCH: Alastair Cook's proud look after Joe Root reaches 34 Test hundreds for England

England cricket witnessed a historic day when Joe Root scored the 34th Test century. The former England skipper scored his 2nd century of the game at the home of cricket at Lord’s against Sri Lanka. Joe Root reached the mark when he made room and cut Lahiru Kumara for a four. 

The cameras instantly panned to former skipper Alastair Cook who was doing commentary. Cook was the previous record holder with 33 centuries and could be seen giving a proud smile as he saw his teammate reach the mark. 

A special moment for Joe Root as he reaches 34 Test hundreds.

The man whose record he surpasses was watching on.

Sir Alastair Cook 🤝 Joe Root#bbccricket pic.twitter.com/EjjH9zd0mc

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) August 31, 2024

Thanks to the century by Joe Root, England were able to set a target of 483 to win for Sri Lanka. The visitors were 53/2 at the end of 20 overs with two more days to go in the game. Gus Atkinson had dismissed Nishan Madushka for 13 while Olly Stone had got the wicket of Pathum Nissanka for 14. 

Alastair Cook praises Joe Root after historic knock 

Former England batting stalwart Alastair Cook spoke to BBC after watching Joe Root become the highest century maker in Test cricket for the Three Lions. Cook said “He is quite simply England's greatest, and it's right that he should have this record, on his own. We are watching a genius,"

The former England skipper also added “I don't think there's a batsman that I can remember watching play...the sense of inevitability about scoring runs that Joe Root gives off. I called it when he was on about 6 today, that he was going to get 100. I know he's in great form, but it's just a pleasure to watch a master, a craftsman at work”

Sri Lanka had pegged back the home team with wickets at regular intervals. The English side had already taken a sizeable lead and opted not to enforce the follow on. Joe Root kept going as he scored his second century of the game. 

While speaking about the first Cook saw Joe Root this is what the former batter said "The game was in the balance and he walked out to bat with his England cap on, looking 13, massive smile on his face. I watched his first few balls, and I was like, 'This bloke is here to stay.' I honestly said, 'He's scoring 10,000 runs.' I don't know who I said it to, but I know that I said it,"