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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matthew Cooper

Joe Root matches astonishing Alastair Cook feat as England beat New Zealand

Former England captain Joe Root has become just the 14th player to make 10,000 Test match runs, after scoring a brilliant hundred to guide his side to a dramatic win over New Zealand at Lord's.

When he came out to bat in the second innings, Root needed to score exactly 100 runs to reach the milestone. And he delivered just that with a stunning 26th Test century that ensured England won the match.

In the process, Root became the joint-youngest player to score 10,000 Test runs, having reached the milestone at the exact same age as Sir Alastair Cook - 31 years and 157 days. Speaking on commentary for BBC Test Match Special, Cook said: "It is absolutely mad that it is exactly the same age. I am happy to call it a draw...

"It has all been low-risk batting, it's what makes him one of the greats, he is in control of everything he does. He has looked the part ever since his debut in India in 2012."

Former England spinner Phil Tufnell was also full of praise for Root, adding: "One of the best. What a story to come back from a torrid 18 months or so.

"It's going to be a happy dressing room, for sure." Root, meanwhile, was overcome with emotion after the match, telling the BBC: "It's a nice feeling.

Root reached the milestone at the exact same age as Sir Alastair Cook, the only other Englishman to score 10,00 runs (GETTY)

"It was a hell of a game and for this game to be in Warney's memory with such aggressive cricket is fitting in many ways. I feel great.

"It means a huge amount to the group and it was nice to do it for Ben. He has done it for me so many times over the years it was nice to give it back for him today.

"I just love batting, I want to score as many runs as I can for the group and nice to do it at the start of the summer."

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