Joe Root Joins Elite Club with 14,000 Test Runs

Joe Root has made history by becoming the second player ever to score 14,000 runs in Test cricket, following the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. This milestone was achieved during a challenging match against New Zealand, where Root's performance was pivotal. As England chases a target of 463 runs, Root's unbeaten score of 75 stands out. The match has seen significant contributions from both teams, with standout performances from players like Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry. Read on to explore the details of this remarkable achievement and the ongoing Test match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 21, 2026, 00:13 IST

Historic Achievement for Joe Root

On June 20, England's Joe Root reached a remarkable milestone by scoring 14,000 runs in Test cricket, making him only the second player in history to achieve this feat, following the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.

This significant accomplishment occurred during the fourth day of the second Test against New Zealand, where Root remained not out at 75 runs off 137 deliveries, including eight boundaries, while England pursued a daunting target of 463 runs.

Throughout his career, Root has played 165 Tests, accumulating a total of 14,073 runs in 302 innings, boasting an impressive average of 50.98. His record includes 41 centuries and 67 half-centuries, with a personal best of 262 runs. Currently, he ranks as the second-highest run-scorer in Test history, trailing only Tendulkar, who amassed 15,921 runs in 200 matches.

As for the match, England concluded day four at 182 for 5, with Root still at the crease alongside Jordan Cox, who is yet to score. Harry Brook also contributed significantly with a quick-fire 58 runs off 54 balls, hitting 10 fours and a six, after England found themselves in a precarious position at 40 for 3.

Leading the series 1-0, England chose to bowl first. New Zealand's innings featured a century from Glenn Phillips, who scored 100 runs off 135 balls, supported by Tom Blundell's 51 runs off 84 balls, helping the team to a total of 391 runs. Jacob Bethell was the standout bowler for England, taking 3 wickets for 26 runs, while Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, and Matthew Fisher each claimed two wickets.

In their first innings, England fell short by 100 runs, managing 381 runs. Key contributions came from Emilio Gay (53 runs off 114 balls), Matthew Fisher (50 not out off 77 balls), and Joe Root (46 runs off 57 balls). Matt Henry was exceptional for New Zealand, taking 5 wickets for 80 runs.

In their second innings, New Zealand was bowled out for 362 runs, with notable performances from Henry Nicholls (121 runs off 171 balls), Rachin Ravindra (76 runs off 99 balls), and Daryl Mitchell (68 runs off 108 balls). This set England a challenging target of 463 runs to win. Archer and Fisher were impressive for England, each taking three wickets.