Joe Root Achieves 22,000 International Runs Milestone in Ashes Series
Joe Root Reaches a New Milestone
In Melbourne, Australia, on December 27, England's prominent batter Joe Root has reached a significant milestone by becoming the ninth player in cricket history to accumulate 22,000 international runs. He achieved this remarkable feat by scoring 15 runs during the second innings of the fourth Test match against Australia in the ongoing Ashes series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
With a total of 22,000 runs from 380 international matches, Root boasts an impressive average of 49.21. He now joins an elite group of cricketers, including legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Kumar Sangakkara, Virat Kohli, Ricky Ponting, Mahela Jayawardene, Jacques Kallis, Rahul Dravid, and Brian Lara, who have scored more international runs than him.
Root, who had previously struggled to score a century in Australia, finally broke that streak with an unbeaten 138 in the first innings of the second Test of the Ashes series in Brisbane for the 2025-26 season.
Despite this century, Root has only managed to score 234 runs across four Tests in the Ashes series. Although England won the recent fourth Test, they have already lost the series to Australia, with the current scoreline standing at 3-1.
In the Boxing Day Test, England secured a four-wicket victory over Australia, marking their first win of the tour. After opting to bowl first, England's Josh Tongue took five wickets, dismissing Australia for just 152 runs. England then faced a collapse, scoring only 110 runs and trailing by 42. Australia struggled again in their second innings, posting 132 runs, which set England a target of 175. Solid partnerships at the top of the order helped England chase down the target, with Harry Brook and Jamie Smith ensuring a memorable victory despite a late scare.
Australia had previously dominated the series, winning the first three Tests and extending their unbeaten streak against England on home soil to 16 matches. However, England's triumph in the fourth Test has finally put an end to that run.