In a remarkable display of batting prowess, Joe Root has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by surpassing Alastair Cook to become the highest run-scorer for England in Test matches. During the ongoing Test series against Pakistan in Multan, Root’s incredible performance not only allowed him to shatter a longstanding record but also led to the establishment of three significant milestones in his illustrious career.
Historic Achievement: Overtaking Alastair Cook
Joe Root entered the match with an impressive record of 12,402 runs accumulated over 146 matches, boasting an average of 50. With 34 centuries and 64 half-centuries to his name, Root has consistently been a key player for England. During the second day of the Test match against Pakistan, which saw the home side post a formidable total of 556 runs, England stumbled early, losing their first wicket for just 4 runs. However, Root’s steady hand guided the innings, and by the end of the third day, he reached a remarkable total of 12,474 runs, surpassing Alastair Cook’s record of 12,472 runs from 161 matches, with an average of 45.
First Batsman to Achieve 5,000 Runs in WTC
Root’s innings was not just about breaking records; it also marked his status as a pioneer in the World Test Championship (WTC). By scoring 27 runs, he became the first player ever to reach the milestone of 5,000 runs in WTC history. As of this match, Root has achieved a total of 5,005 runs across 59 WTC matches, further solidifying his reputation as one of the finest batsmen in the format.
Following Root on the WTC run-scoring chart is Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne, who has amassed 3,904 runs in 45 matches. Notably, Steve Smith follows close behind with 3,486 runs from the same number of matches. England’s Ben Stokes and Pakistan’s Babar Azam also rank highly, with totals of 3,101 and 2,755 runs, respectively.
Equaling a Legend: Fifty-Plus Scores
Adding to the significance of his performance, Root recorded his 50th score above 50 in Test matches, thereby equaling the legendary Indian batsman Rahul Dravid. This achievement showcases Root’s remarkable consistency and ability to deliver under pressure, a trait that has earned him respect across the cricketing world.
As Joe Root continues to break records and set new benchmarks, cricket fans can only anticipate what further milestones he will achieve in his promising career. His journey is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and love for the game, and he remains a pivotal figure in England’s cricketing narrative.
