Joe Root on the Brink of Test Greatness – 3 Milestones are in Danger on Manchester Test
Joe Root on the verge of Test history
Joe Root, one of the cricketing greats of the modern era, is just a few runs away from reaching Test history. Before England takes on India in the fourth Test from July 23 at Old Trafford, Root can set his sights on exceeding modern-day greats Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and possibly Ricky Ponting, with respect to the all-time most runs scored in Test cricket.
Currently sitting fifth highest on the all-time list with 13,259 runs across 156 Test matches, Root must pass only 31 or more runs to jump over Dravid and Kallis. It is possible for him to also exceed Ponting (13,378 runs) and jump to second all-time, only behind the great Sachin Tendulkar of India.
Test Cricket’s Top Run-Scorers – Where Root Stands Now
Here’s a look at the top 5 all-time Test run-getters:
- Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 15,921 runs (200 matches)
- Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 13,378 runs (168 matches)
- Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 13,289 runs (166 matches)
- Rahul Dravid (India) – 13,288 runs (164 matches)
- Joe Root (England) – 13,259 runs (156 matches)
Root’s consistent run-scoring ability and long-standing presence in England’s Test side put him in prime position to overtake the legends ahead of him.
Old Trafford: A Lucky Place for Root
The fourth Test is being played at Old Trafford, Manchester – a perfect spot for such a big moment. Root has an amazing record here in Test matches:
- 978 runs in 11 games
- An average of 65.20
- 1 century and 7 half-centuries
Given how well he’s playing now, not many would doubt he could reach – or even beat – Ponting’s 13,378 runs during this match.
Rising Back to the Top: Root Returns to ICC Test Batting No.1
Joe Root has regained the No.1 spot in the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings, having surpassed his teammate Harry Brook, to his honour this came on the back of an innings at Lord’s where he scored a stylish 104 in the first innings, and a composed 40 in the second.
His visits to the crease helped England clinch a seven-wicket win over India and take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series highlighting Roots contribution to the team’s success.
Joe Root’s rise isn’t just about the number of runs he’s scored. He’s also making his mark in other record books:
His 37th Test century put him ahead of Rahul Dravid in the number of centuries.
He’s now ranked fifth for the most Test centuries.
Root is only the fourth player to score over 8,000 Test runs while batting exclusively at No. 4, joining the ranks of Sachin Tendulkar, Mahela Jayawardene, and Jacques Kallis.
These achievements show that Root isn’t just consistent—he’s truly elite.
Can Root Catch Sachin?
Despite chasing the record, Joe Root is still 2,663 runs behind Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record. Considering Root’s age, fitness, and current form, it’s not impossible—but it will require time, focus, and probably more than 20 Tests.
If anyone can seriously challenge the record, it’s Joe Root.
Share this content:
Post Comment