JOE JUST SO TONDERFUL

Root joins Cook at the top with 33rd century

- GARY FITZGERALD

JOE ROOT had records on his mind as another Lord's batting masterclass saw him match Sir Alastair Cook as England's greatest Test centurion.

The prolific Yorkshireman equalled Cook's record of 33 hundreds to put his side in a strong position in the second Test, hitting 143 out of their 358-7.

The 33-year-old fell late in the day going for an overly ambitious reverse 'ramp' but he done more than enough to leave former captain Michael Vaughan hailing him as "England's greatest batsman".

Surrey's Gus Atkinson entertained the crowd with a quick-fire 74 not out.

But it was Root who stole the limelight again.