Manchester, Aug 25: England batter Joe Root continued to rewrite record books, becoming the English player with most fifties in Test cricket following a match-winning effort against Sri Lanka in the first Test at Manchester.

After a fine 42 in the first innings, Root once again showcased his class, composure and clutch game in a tense run chase of 205 runs, scoring an unbeaten 62 in 128 balls, with two fours, coming in when England was 56/2.

Now, Root has scored 64 fifties for England, the most by a batter from his team and overall third-highest. He is just behind Shivnarine Chanderpaul of West Indies (66 fifties) and Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar (68 fifties) in the list of most Test half centuries.

This was also Root's 10th fifty-plus score in fourth innings, showcasing his immense mastery and command over this phase of the game. Above him are greats like Michael Atherton, Alastair Cook, who have scored 11 half centuries each in fourth innings.

This was also Root's eighth fifty-plus score at Manchester, making him the player with most fifty-plus scores at this venue in Test cricket.

Chasing 205, England were in a tight position at 70/3. However, Root's calm and composed half century (62* in 128 balls with two fours) and solid contributions from Harry Brook (32 in 68 balls, with three fours) and Jamie Smith (39* in 48 balls, with four boundaries and a six) took England to a five wicket win.

England take a 1-0 lead in two-match series. Smith took home 'Player of the Match' award for his century.

(ANI)

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