England’s Joe Root has cemented his place among cricket’s all-time greats, surpassing Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history.
A Historic Day for Joe Root
It was a truly monumental day for former England captain Joe Root, who etched his name further into the cricket record books. The 34-year-old batting maestro not only climbed to second place on the all-time Test run-scoring list but also equaled Kumar Sangakkara’s record for the fourth-most centuries in the format.
Root’s masterful innings saw him remain unbeaten at 121 runs from 201 balls at Tea on Day 3. The milestone was particularly poignant as Ricky Ponting, the legend Root surpassed, was on commentary duty at the time.
Surpassing Cricket Icons
During his commanding knock, Root systematically moved past several cricketing giants. He first overtook India’s Rahul Dravid, who held 13,288 runs, and then South Africa’s Jacques Kallis with 13,289 runs.
The pivotal moment came after Root raised his century, when he officially eclipsed Ponting’s long-standing tally to claim the second spot.
Root vs. The Legends: A Statistical Look
As of Tea, Joe Root’s career Test run tally stood at an impressive 13,380 runs from 157 matches, boasting an average of 51.26. Ricky Ponting, in comparison, concluded his illustrious career with 13,378 runs from 168 Tests at an average of 51.85, including 41 centuries and 62 half-centuries.
While Root has surpassed Ponting, the top spot on the all-time list remains firmly held by India’s ‘Little Master’, Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar amassed a staggering 15,921 runs in 200 Test matches at an average of 53.78, featuring a record 51 Test centuries and 68 half-centuries.
England’s Dominance Continues
Beyond Root’s personal milestones, England continued to assert control over the match. Ollie Pope contributed a valuable 71 runs before his dismissal after lunch. Despite quick wickets from Washington Sundar, who stumped Harry Brook, Root remained resolute.
Root navigated an early scare, surviving an LBW appeal and a close run-out chance when on 22. He maintained his composure, guiding England’s innings. Captain Ben Stokes also provided crucial support, remaining unbeaten on 36 and capitalising on some loose Indian bowling. England appears well on track to seal a series victory with one match to spare.
- Joe Root is now the second-highest Test run-scorer in history.
- He surpassed Ricky Ponting, Rahul Dravid, and Jacques Kallis in his record-breaking innings.
- Root also equaled Kumar Sangakkara’s record for the fourth-most Test centuries.
- Sachin Tendulkar remains at the top of the all-time Test run-scoring list.
Root’s extraordinary achievement further solidifies his legacy as one of the finest batsmen of his generation, and he continues to drive England’s success in Test cricket.
