WATCH: Joe Root hits reverse-scoop to complete 36th Test ton

Joe Root. (Photo Source: Twitter/X)

Senior England batter Joe Root has been phenomenal in 2024, amassing 1470 in 16 matches. Against New Zealand, the 33-year-old struggled initially but in the second innings of the Wellington Test, Root proved his worth, scoring his 36th Test century. He used to be known for his conventional, orthodox shots in red-ball cricket but ever since ‘Bazball’, the cricketer hasn’t been shy to play shots all across the park as against New Zealand, he hit a reverse-scoop to complete his century.

In the 83rd over of the game, Root positioned himself to play a reverse scoop off William O’Rourke and even though he didn’t hit it clean, the ball went over the keeper Tom Blundell to the fence. Ben Stokes, who was at the other end, was delighted with the century as he started celebrating before Root. Later, the two shared a laugh and a hug as the former captain acknowledged the standing ovation from the Wellington crowd.

JOE ROOT IN STYLE 😮‍💨

What a way to bring up his century 💯

📺 Watch #NZvENG on TNT Sports and discovery+ pic.twitter.com/UOJVGBMfUi

— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) December 7, 2024

Stokes, meanwhile, remained unbeaten at 49, as England declared on 427/6. They set a mammoth total of 583 runs and New Zealand needed a brilliant start to get anywhere close to that but the top order once again failed to impress, resulting in the hosts being reduced to 59/4. Captain Tom Latham made 24 runs while Devon Conway failed to open his tally, Kane Williamson made four and Rachin Ravindra hit six.

Daryl Mitchell and Blundell later stitched a vital partnership to rescue the hosts. However, it didn’t last long as Mitchell departed for 32 runs. Blundell carried the innings after that, scoring 115 runs off 102 deliveries. England bowlers, who looked deadly initially struggled against the keeper-batter, who played aggressively. After his dismissal, the onus fell on Nathan Smith. However, the target was massive enough and England won the match by 323 runs.

England have taken a 2-0 lead in the series, and New Zealand will have to answer a few tough questions. They didn’t have a great 2024 in red-ball cricket, barring the 3-0 win against India.