Joe Root surpasses Rahul Dravid, Steve Smith's Test record

England’s star batter Joe Root reached another milestone in his remarkable Test career on Friday, overtaking Rahul Dravid and Steve Smith in the list of most centuries in Test cricket.

Playing in the third Test against India at Lord’s, Root reached his 37th Test century, moving ahead of India’s Dravid and Australia’s Smith, both of whom have 36 Test hundreds to their name.

With this achievement, the 34-year-old now sits fifth on the all-time list of players with the most centuries in the format. He is just one behind Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara, who has 38 Test centuries.

The list is led by Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 51 hundreds in 200 matches. He is followed by South Africa’s Jacques Kallis (45) and Australia’s Ricky Ponting (41).

Most centuries in Test cricket:

• Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 51
• Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 45
• Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 41
• Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 38
• Joe Root (England) – 37*

England are 335-7 in 101.2 overs in their first innings. Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse are at the crease. Joe Root earlier scored his 37th Test century before being dismissed, while Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope both contributed 44 runs. Chris Woakes was dismissed for a golden duck.

England won the first Test at Lord’s, while India bounced back with a commanding 336-run win in the second match at Edgbaston. The five-match series remains evenly poised as the third Test continues at the iconic venue.