Joe Root Makes History with 2,000 Test Runs Against New Zealand

Joe Root has made cricket history by becoming the first player to score 2,000 Test runs against New Zealand. Achieving this milestone while captaining England at The Oval, Root's performance included six centuries and nine fifties. Despite early challenges in the match, he showcased his skill and composure, further solidifying his legacy in the sport. This article delves into Root's remarkable achievement and his journey to this significant milestone.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 20, 2026, 22:35 IST

Historic Achievement by Joe Root

In a remarkable feat, veteran England cricketer Joe Root has etched his name in history by becoming the first player to accumulate 2,000 Test runs against New Zealand. This milestone was achieved while he was captaining the team in the second Test at The Oval on June 20. Root reached this landmark in his 44th innings against the Kiwis, boasting an impressive average of over 50, with six centuries and nine half-centuries to his name. The previous record for the most runs against New Zealand was held by legendary Pakistani cricketer Javed Miandad, who scored 1,919 runs in just 29 innings. Before the series commenced, Root required 75 runs to hit this significant mark. He managed only nine runs in the first Test at Lord's but improved significantly with a score of 46 at The Oval.

Top Test Run Scorers vs New Zealand

Joe Root: 2004*
Javed Miandad: 1919
Rahul Dravid: 1659
Sachin Tendulkar: 1595
Jacques Kallis: 1543

With England facing early trouble at 13 for 2 while chasing a daunting target of 463, Root came to the crease needing 20 runs in the fourth innings. The pitch posed challenges with its movement and inconsistent bounce, making his start quite difficult. He witnessed New Zealand waste a review against him and narrowly avoided an outside edge that missed the second slip. For the first 20 deliveries, Root focused on weathering the storm from bowlers Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson. Once settled, he began to take charge of the innings, relying on placement and timing rather than aggression, capitalizing on any width offered by the New Zealand bowlers with his signature late cuts and square drives. As wickets fell around him, including Ben Duckett's dismissal that left England at 40 for 3, Root remained a calming presence. He also became the second player globally to surpass 14,000 Test runs, following the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, as he entered the tea break at 24* (40) with England in a precarious position at 54/3.