Joe Root Surpasses Ricky Ponting as Second-Highest Test Run-Getter
Historic Achievement for Joe Root
Manchester [UK], July 25: Former England cricketer Michael Atherton praised Joe Root for achieving the remarkable milestone of becoming the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history, surpassing Australia's Ricky Ponting. Atherton expressed that it has been a privilege to witness Root's career progress and the numerous milestones he has achieved.
Root's historic moment came during the third day of the fourth Test against India in Manchester. By the end of the second session, he was not out at 121 runs from 201 balls, including 13 boundaries. Prior to this match, he required 120 runs to eclipse Ponting's record. Now, he stands just behind the legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who amassed 15,921 runs over 200 Tests, averaging 53.78 with 51 centuries and 68 fifties.
In a discussion on Sky Sports, Atherton remarked, "It has been a privilege to watch him achieve these milestones." He recalled a touching moment when Root embraced Ben Stokes after reaching his 38th century and acknowledged his progression past cricket greats like Kallis, Dravid, Tendulkar, and Ponting.
Atherton also reflected on Root's journey, starting from his debut in Nagpur in 2012, where he made an impressive start with scores of 73 and 20*. He noted that since the post-COVID era, Root has recorded 21 Test centuries, averaging 85 runs per match.
"At this pace, he may need around 25-30 more Tests to surpass Sachin. Given England's schedule of approximately 12 to 13 Tests a year, it could take him two to three years to achieve this feat," he concluded.
Ricky Ponting, in his illustrious career, played 168 Tests, scoring 13,378 runs at an average of 51.85, with 41 centuries and 62 fifties, with a highest score of 257. He has now been relegated to third place in the all-time rankings.
As for Root, he has played 157 Tests, accumulating 13,380 runs in 286 innings, averaging 51.26, with 38 centuries and 66 fifties, and his highest score is 262.
At the conclusion of the second session, England was positioned at 433/4, with Root (121*) and captain Ben Stokes (36*) remaining at the crease. Washington Sundar (2/30) tried to shift momentum back to India by dismissing Ollie Pope (71) and Harry Brook (3), but Stokes and Root's partnership provided England with a solid 75-run lead.