Joe Root Surpasses Sachin Tendulkar in Home Test Runs

In a significant achievement, Joe Root has surpassed Sachin Tendulkar to become the second-highest run-scorer in home Test cricket. This milestone was reached during the fifth Test at The Oval, where Root's performance continues to solidify his legacy in the sport. With impressive statistics, including 7,224 runs at home, Root is now chasing Tendulkar's all-time record. The article delves into Root's journey, his current series performance, and the match highlights against India, making it a must-read for cricket enthusiasts.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 2, 2025, 01:57 IST

Joe Root Achieves Milestone in Test Cricket

In a remarkable achievement, England's star batsman Joe Root has now surpassed Sachin Tendulkar to claim the second spot for the most runs scored by a player in home Test matches. This milestone was reached during the fifth and final Test at The Oval.

During his first innings, Root scored 29 runs off 45 balls, hitting six boundaries before being dismissed leg-before-wicket by Mohammed Siraj.

Root's impressive record at home now stands at 7,224 runs from 84 Tests, boasting an average of 55.14, which includes 23 centuries and 33 fifties across 146 innings, with a personal best of 254.

He has overtaken Tendulkar, who accumulated 7,216 runs in 94 Tests played in India, averaging 52.67, with 22 centuries and 32 fifties, and a top score of 217.

Leading the chart is Australian great Ricky Ponting, who scored 7,578 runs in 92 home Tests at an average of 56.97, including 23 centuries and 38 fifties, with a best score of 257.

In the current series, Root ranks as the fifth-highest run-scorer, amassing 432 runs in five Tests and eight innings, averaging 61.71, with two centuries and one fifty, his highest score being 150.

As the second-highest run-scorer in Test history, Root is now pursuing Sachin Tendulkar's record of 15,921 runs in 200 Tests, which includes 51 centuries. He previously surpassed Ponting to secure the second position during the last Test in Manchester. To date, Root has scored 13,438 runs in 158 Tests, with an average of 51.09, 38 centuries, and 66 fifties, his best score being 262.

In the match, after England chose to bat first, they managed to reduce India to 153/6. A significant partnership of 58 runs was formed between Karun Nair, who scored 57 off 109 balls with eight fours, and Washington Sundar, who contributed 26 off 55 balls with three fours, as India was eventually bowled out for 224 runs. Gus Atkinson's five-wicket haul was a highlight, along with Josh Tongue's impressive figures of 3/57.

In the final session, following a rain delay, England found themselves at 242/8 after starting at 175/3, thanks to strong bowling performances from Prasidh Krishna (4/60) and Mohammed Siraj (3/83), with Harry Brook remaining not out on 48 and Josh Tongue yet to score.