Joe Root Joins Elite Club with 23,000 International Runs

Historic Milestone for Joe Root

On Tuesday, veteran England batter Joe Root made history by becoming the eighth player in international cricket to surpass the remarkable 23,000-run milestone across all formats.

Root achieved this significant feat during England's first ODI against Sri Lanka at Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street. He reached the landmark in his 394th international match, joining an exclusive group of cricketers who have scored over 23,000 runs. The 35-year-old needed just three runs to hit this target and was eventually out for 44 runs off 52 balls, which included five boundaries. He has solidified his status as England's top run-scorer in both Test and ODI formats, making him the first English player to reach 23,000 international runs.

A Monumental Achievement in Cricket

Other legendary players who have crossed this milestone include India's Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, Ricky Ponting from Australia, Jacques Kallis of South Africa, and India's Rahul Dravid.

As of now, Root has accumulated 14,278 runs in Test matches and 7,826 runs in ODIs, with his ODI record featuring 20 centuries.

Comparing with Alastair Cook

The next highest run-scorer for England is former opener Alastair Cook, who scored 15,737 runs in 257 international matches. Cook's career was highlighted by his impressive 12,472 runs in Test cricket.

England's Focus on ODI Series

Having already clinched the T20I series against Sri Lanka with a clean sweep of 3-0, England is now gearing up for the ODI series. Harry Brook will captain the team as they aim for another series victory against the Lankan Lions.