From Yorkshire to Glory: Joe Root Now Test Cricket’s No. 2 Run Scorer!

In a historic moment at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, England’s Joe Root etched his name deeper into cricketing history by becoming the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, overtaking legendary figures like Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting in a single innings. Root’s remarkable innings of 120* against India in the fourth Test of the series not only showcased his technical brilliance but also reinforced his stature as one of the modern greats of the game.

Background

• Joe Root made his Test debut in 2012 against India and quickly rose to become a mainstay in England’s batting lineup.
• Known for his classical technique and consistency, Root has been a central figure in England’s Test resurgence over the past decade.
• He surpassed Alastair Cook to become England’s all-time highest Test run-scorer in 2023.

Significance of the Milestone

• Second Only to Sachin Tendulkar: With over 13,400 runs (as of July 2025), Root is now behind only Tendulkar’s monumental record of 15,921 Test runs.
• Surpassing Legends: In his innings at Old Trafford, he consecutively overtook Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting, all icons of the game.
• Consistency Redefined: Root’s performance across 157 Test matches with 38 centuries and 104 fifties highlights an unmatched level of sustained excellence.

Key Features of Root’s Achievement

• 38 Test Centuries: Equaling the record of Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara.
• 104 Fifties: Second only to Sachin Tendulkar (119).
• First Batter to Score 1,000+ Runs at Old Trafford: Establishing his dominance at home venues.
• Form Across Years: Particularly exceptional run since 2020, with multiple double centuries and match-defining innings.