The 100th Test match is a significant milestone in a cricketer’s career, marking a culmination of years of dedication and hard work. This week, the cricketing world witnessed a unique alignment of events as four prominent players reached or are about to reach their 100th Test match milestone.
Virat Kohli, Joe Root, and Steve Smith, considered modern-day batting stalwarts, have all crossed the 100-Test mark, joining an elite group of 75 cricketers who have achieved this feat. However, what makes their 100th Test matches even more special is the common thread of Indian umpire Nitin Menon officiating during these historic games.
Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain known for his aggressive batting style and remarkable consistency, played his 100th Test match in 2022 against Sri Lanka in Mohali. This match also featured Nitin Menon as one of the umpires. India won the match convincingly with a massive margin of 222 runs, with Kohli contributing 45 runs.
Joe Root, the English cricketer known for his elegant strokeplay and leadership qualities, played his 100th Test match in February 2021 against India in Chennai. Root made a memorable contribution to this match by scoring a double century, amassing 218 runs. England emerged victorious in this match, defeating India by 227 runs.
Steve Smith, the Australian batting maestro renowned for his unorthodox technique and prolific run-scoring ability, played his 100th Test match in 2023 against England in Leeds. However, this match did not turn out as expected for Smith, as he managed scores of only 22 and 2 in the two innings. India‘s Nitin Menon was again part of the umpiring panel for this match.
As fate would have it, the fourth player to join this exclusive club is Kane Williamson, the New Zealand captain, who is set to play his 100th Test match against Australia in Christchurch. This match will also feature Nitin Menon as one of the umpires, marking his 122nd international match as an umpire.
In conclusion, the convergence of these four players’ 100th Test matches with Nitin Menon’s presence as an umpire highlights the unique nature of this milestone in cricketing history. As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await Kane Williamson’s 100th Test match, the sport continues to witness remarkable achievements and memorable moments.
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