In the latest of a long line of magic moments, Joe Root has made the headlines yet again - this time with an epic personal best of 262 in Multan as England Men responded to Pakistan’s big first-innings score in style.

But this wasn’t like any of the previous 33 Test tons he had amassed across his glittering career, for this fateful third day of their first Test will be consigned to the history books as the day he became England’s all-time Test run-scorer, surpassing the great Sir Alistair Cook.

No better time, therefore, to recount the Yorkshireman’s long-established love affair with Trent Bridge, to where the England and Trent Rockets star will return in May 2025 for the Three Lions’ standalone four-day Men's Test against Zimbabwe.

The 34-year-old’s Test batting average at Trent Bridge - 70.92 from 14 innings - betters that of his own at any other ground on these shores, with 922 of his 12,402 career Test runs scored on West Bridgford’s hallowed grass, including five tons in eight appearances.

Requiring 78 to reach a four-figure count in Nottingham, here are his three best Trent Bridge scores in England whites.

 

176 - v New Zealand, June 2022

One of five centurions in a thrilling contest with the Black Caps, forever remembered as the birth of Bazball, Root needed just 116 balls to reach a stoic century.

Big partnerships with Ollie Pope and Ben Foakes helped England post 539 in response to New Zealand’s 553; Root kept the crowed thoroughly entertained with 26 fours and one maximum on the way to his biggest Trent Bridge Test score as England were victors by five wickets.

 

154* - v India, July 2014

In his second Test appearance at Trent Bridge, Root helped England fight back against a resolute India, for whom a record tenth-wicket stand left the visitors well placed in the first of a five-match series in England.

If not for his efforts with the bat - an unbeaten 154 - England could well have been on course for defeat, but the Nottingham stalemate laid the groundwork for a 3-1 series win for the Three Lions.

 

130 - v Australia, August 2015

8 August 2015 is a date only few cricket anoraks would need any reminder of. While Nottinghamshire’s very own Stuart Broad stole the show with a stunning 8/15 to skittle arch rivals Australia for just 60 runs in less than 19 overs, Root then piled on the misery for the tourists with 20 boundaries as England closed in on regaining The Ashes.

Despite England batting second, Root had secured his ton well before the end of day one, his score assuring a famously crushing victory for the hosts by an innings and 78 runs as the nation rejoiced an Ashes triumph to remember.

 

*******

 

England Men take on Zimbabwe in their first Test of the English summer from 22 to 25 May 2025 - and tickets are now on general sale.