Joe Root Surpasses Ricky Ponting to Become Second-Highest Run-Getter in Test Cricket
Historic Achievement for Joe Root
In a remarkable display of skill, England's Joe Root has etched his name in cricket history by surpassing Australian icon Ricky Ponting, becoming the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket.
This milestone was achieved during the third day of the fourth Test match against India in Manchester. By the end of the second session, Root 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.
Root now trails only behind the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who amassed 15,921 runs over 200 Tests, averaging 53.78 with 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries.
Ponting, who played 168 Tests, scored 13,378 runs at an average of 51.85, with 41 centuries and 62 fifties, and his highest score was 257. He has now been relegated to third place in the all-time rankings.
As of now, Root has played 157 Tests, accumulating 13,380 runs in 286 innings, averaging 51.26, with 38 centuries and 66 fifties, and his top score is 262.
Additionally, Root has matched Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara with 38 centuries, placing him fourth in the all-time list, behind Ponting (41), Jacques Kallis of South Africa (45), and Tendulkar (51).
This marks Root's 23rd Test century on home soil, tying him with Ponting, Kallis, and Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene for the most centuries in home Tests.
After Root's achievement, Ponting praised the English batsman, expressing confidence that Root could surpass Tendulkar's record. He stated, "Magnificent from Root. This is a great moment in history. The way his career has gone, there is absolutely no reason why he will not go past Tendulkar," as reported by a Media Channel.
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 ensured a solid 75-run lead for England.