Joe Root etched his name in cricket history once again by becoming the second highest run scorer in Test cricket. The landmark came during the Test match against India at Old Trafford, Manchester. Root started the day as the fifth highest scorer but ended it unbeaten on 150, surpassing legends like Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, Kumar Sangakkara, and Ricky Ponting in a single innings.
Joe Root Crossing the Greats
His total now stands at 13,409 test runs. He has overtaken Dravid ( 13, 288) Kallis ( 13 289) , Sangakkara ( 12, 400) and pointing ( 13, 378) . He is now second only to Sachin Tendulkar, who has 15,921 Test runs. Additionally, Root matched Sangakkara’s tally of 38 centuries, making him joint third in the list of the players with the most Test hundreds.
Milestones in a single innings
Root reached several key landmarks during his innings. A simple single took him past Rahul Dravid, followed by a boundary to overtake Kallis. His fifty came with a controlled short, and another stylish boundary matched Sangakkara’s century count. A precise third man shot eventually helped leap past Pointing. All of this happened in the span of a single masterful inning.
Interestingly this innings took Root past 1000 test runs at Old Trafford , home ground to Lancashire , home ground to Lancashire , Yorkshire born cricketer it was a special moment . But for Root it was just another demonstration of his ability to Score under any condition , against any attack, and at any venue
Consistency over a decade
Since making his test debut in 2012, Root has become England’s most dependable batter. In 139 tests he scored 13,409 runs at an average above 50. With 38 centuries and 67 half centuries, including a top score of 254 , Root has combined longevity with consistent excellence
What sets Root apart is his ability to adapt his technique to the situation. He plays late against pace, uses soft hands against spin and finds gaps effortlessly. His deflection to third man, cover drives and sweep shots are now iconic. Rarely flashy, Root builds innings patiently and clinically, making him one of the most difficult batters to dismiss in Test cricket.
Turning Fifties into Hundreds:
Early in his career, Root was often criticized for failing to convert fifties into hundreds. But in recent years the trend has changed. Since 2021 he has consistently scored big hundreds, especially when the rest of the batting lineup has struggled. His centuries in India, Sri Lanka and Australia during challenges conditions have stood out as match saving knocks
Root is currently 34 years old. If he maintains fitness and continues performing, he could have another 2-3 years at the top. The England team still relies heavily on him and his hunger for runs hasn’t slowed. Breaking Tendulkar’s record depends on not just talent but resilience, match availability and mental strength, all areas where Root continues to excel.
A Proud moment for English cricket.
Root achieved a high point in English cricket. No other batter has come close to this level of Test dominance. He is setting an example for future generations, proving that success in test cricket still holds immense value even in a world obsessed with T20 leagues.
With each milestone, Root is not just building a record; he is cementing his legacy. He played in every major Cricketing conditions against toughest blowers and under high pressure . His rise up the rankings isn’t the result of one great year; it is a result of a decade-long commitment to excellence.
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Tanya Singh 
Soureesh Datta