English captain Joe Root brought up a Test double against Sri Lanka on the third of the first Test at Galle International Stadium and marked a better way to start off the year. His innings can be termed as one of the best innings in his career so far. The 200 came with a boundary. He touched the milestone within an hour after the play resumed on day three. This is his second 200 against SL. He has also completed 8000 Test runs. His double ton garnered some comparisons with Steve Smith, Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson on social media. His quest for a better form seemed intensified before England took on India in February. This became the fourth Test double ton for the Yorkshire based batsman only trailing behind Wally Hammond (7) and Alastair Cook (5).
Root came at the crease on the first day and knitted a resilient partnership with Jonny Bairstow after the openers fell shortly. After England bundled out Sri Lanka for 135, Root and Bairstow (47 off 93) put up an unbeaten stand of 110 runs at the stumps on day one. On day two he clubbed his 18th Test century. Leading from the front, Root reached 50 on the first day. His knock put the visitors on the stronger side. In response to SL’s 135, England have crossed 400 in their first innings.
