Joe Root equals Sachin Tendulkar Test fifty record

Joe Root equalled Sachin Tendulkar's record of 68 Test half-centuries during England's first Test against Pakistan at Headingley. England closed day two on 366 for eight, leading by 195 runs. LEEDS: Joe Root matched Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most half-centuries in Test cricket on Thursday during England's first Test against Pakistan at Headingley, reaching his 68th score of fifty or more in the format. Root got to the landmark on the second day of the series opener, moving alongside the former India batter at the top of the all-time list. He was dismissed for 66 from 112 balls and struck 10 boundaries in an innings that combined control with patience as England took charge after bowling Pakistan out for 171 in the first innings. With 68 Test fifties, Root is now level with Tendulkar, while former West Indies batter Shivnarine Chanderpaul is next on the list with 66. Australia's Allan Border and India's Rahul Dravid share fourth place with 63 half-centuries each. Another milestone as captain Root's innings also improved his position among Test captains with the most scores of 50 or more. His 66 was his 42nd such score as England captain, taking him to fifth on that list. Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith heads the standings with 61 scores of 50-plus, followed by Australia's Ricky Ponting with 54 and Allan Border with 51. Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq is fourth with 43, leaving Root one behind him. England build commanding lead England resumed the second day on 112 for two, still 59 runs short of Pakistan's first-innings total. By stumps, the hosts had advanced to 366 for eight and opened up a 195-run lead. A number of productive partnerships shifted the match firmly in England's favour. Root was involved in one of the most important stands of the day with debutant Jordan Cox, as the pair added a century partnership to put the home side in control. Cox made 73 on debut in a composed innings before he was dismissed by Ali Usman. Root fell soon afterwards for 66, but England still ended the day in a strong position despite losing wickets later in the innings, with the chance to extend their advantage further when play resumes.