Insights

Joe Root showcased his exceptional batting prowess on day two of the third Test against the West Indies at Edgbaston, scoring 87 runs and surpassing the significant milestone of 12,000 runs in Test cricket. This achievement places him above Sir Alastair Cook as the leading Test run-scorer at Edgbaston and elevates him to seventh on the all-time Test run-scorers list, surpassing West Indies legend Brian Lara. Despite England's precarious position at 54-5 early in the innings, Root's performance was pivotal in stabilizing the team as they sought to chase down the West Indies' first-innings total of 282. His innings came to an end when he was trapped lbw by Gudakesh Motie, a dismissal that highlighted the challenge of getting Root out, as noted by former Australian cricketer Mel Jones. Jones praised Root's ability to adapt and evolve his game, stating that he has consistently found ways to remould himself despite facing criticism throughout his career. Root has embraced the aggressive batting philosophy under the leadership of captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, incorporating innovative shots typically seen in white-ball cricket into his Test game. As the match progresses, Root's artistry with the bat continues to captivate fans and experts alike, with many considering him one of the all-time greats in Test cricket. The third Test is set to resume on Sunday, with live coverage available on Sky Sports Cricket.