Joe Root Climbs to Second Place in All-Time Test Run-Scorers

Joe Root has made headlines by moving to second place on the all-time Test run-scorers list during the fourth Test against India. With his recent century, he has surpassed legends like Ricky Ponting and Jacques Kallis, now setting his sights on Sachin Tendulkar's record of 15,921 runs. Root's journey from his debut in 2012 to becoming a key player in England's cricket history showcases his remarkable consistency and dedication. As he continues to perform at a high level, the cricketing world watches closely to see if he can achieve this monumental feat. Read on to explore Root's incredible achievements and future prospects in Test cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 25, 2025, 22:05 IST

Joe Root's Historic Achievement

Former England captain and renowned batsman Joe Root has solidified his status as one of the premier Test batsmen by ascending to the second position on the all-time run-scorers list during the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, Manchester, on July 25.

Root celebrated another milestone in his illustrious Test career by scoring his second century of the home red-ball series on Day 2 of the Manchester Test. This achievement allowed him to surpass cricket legends Ricky Ponting, Rahul Dravid, and Jacques Kallis, placing him just behind Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar on the all-time leading run-scorers list.

Chasing Tendulkar's Record

Having already achieved legendary status in English cricket by surpassing Alastair Cook's record of 12,472 Test runs in October 2024, Root now aims to chase Tendulkar's all-time record of 15,921 runs.

Joe Root made his Test debut against India in December 2012 and has since transformed into one of the most reliable and prolific batsmen in Test cricket history.

Remarkable Consistency

Root debuted in red-ball cricket under Alastair Cook's captaincy and has since become a cornerstone of England's batting lineup, leading with distinction against various opponents.

In June 2022, he became the first player to reach 10,000 Test runs in under ten years, showcasing his remarkable consistency and drive for runs.

Current Series Performance

Entering the ongoing Test series against India with 13,006 runs, including 36 centuries at an average of 50.80, Root was just 372 runs shy of overtaking the legendary trio. He achieved this milestone while batting at 119, taking a single off Anshul Kamboj's delivery.

Root's ascent to the second spot on the all-time Test run-scorers list reflects his unwavering commitment and consistency over the past decade.

The Quest for Tendulkar's Record

As Root continues to perform consistently, he poses a significant challenge to Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record. Tendulkar scored 15,921 runs, including 51 centuries, at an average of 53.78 over 200 matches.

Root, with over 13,350 runs, 38 centuries, and an average exceeding 50 in 157 matches, is on track to potentially surpass Tendulkar's record.

Future Prospects

At 34 years old, Root has several years of cricket ahead of him, barring any sudden decline in form or fitness. His performance since 2021, where he has accumulated over 5,100 runs, averaging more than 1,000 runs per year, positions him well to challenge Tendulkar's monumental record.

Root's impressive consistency, especially after stepping down from captaincy in 2022, has made the prospect of surpassing Tendulkar's record increasingly realistic.

Record-Breaking Performance in Manchester

With his 38th Test century, Root equaled Kumar Sangakkara's record, becoming joint-fourth for the most centuries in Test cricket, trailing only Tendulkar, Kallis, and Ponting.

Additionally, he became the first batter to score 1,000 Test runs at Old Trafford and is one of only three England players to achieve 1,000 Test runs at two different venues, further cementing his legacy.

Root also holds the record for the most centuries in the World Test Championship, with over 5,900 runs to his name.