England Record-Breaker Root Has 'More To Contribute' After 34th Test Ton

Joe Root was adamant he had a "lot more to contribute" after his record-breaking 34th Test century took England nearer to a series victory over Sri Lanka at Lord's.

Joe Root (Image Source: Google)

'Fun environment'

Root has now moved into joint sixth-place in the all-time list of Test century-makers alongside Younis Khan, Sunil Gavaskar, Brian Lara and Mahela Jayawardene.

And since giving up the England captaincy two years ago, Root has prospered under coach Brendon McCullum and currently injured captain Ben Stokes, with the elegant right-hander averaging nearly 60 while scoring nine hundreds in 28 Tests.

"This environment and the way we look at the game now is so fun to be around, it's an environment where you see guys thrive and even as a senior player it gives you so much energy," Root said.

Root embraced his father at the end of his innings, although he almost missed the moment.

"I nearly blanked him, I didn't even realise it was him to start with, so it was really nice to share that moment with him," explained Root.

Former England team-mate Ian Bell, Sri Lanka's batting coach for this three-match series, lauded Root by saying: "It was awesome to watch. His skill level is incredible.

"I've spent plenty of time playing with Joe, watching him train and the way he goes about his business, just to see what he's achieved with so much more to give is quite incredible."