Joe Root surpasses Rahul Dravid to become third-highest run-scorer in Test cricket
MOST RUNS IN TEST CRICKET Sachin Tendulkar - 15,921 runs in 200 matches, 51 hundredsRicky Ponting - 13,378 runs in 168 matches, 41 hundredsJoe Root - 13,292 runs* in 157 matches, 37 hundredsJacques Kallis - 13,289 runs in 166 matches, 45 hundredsRahul Dravid - 13,288 runs in 154 matches, 36 hundredsRoot also became the first batter to score 1,000 runs at Old Trafford during the course of his steady knock on Friday. The ex-England captain has been in fine form in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, scoring over 250 runs in seven innings. His hundred in the first innings of the Lords' Test in London set up England's victory. ROOT RACES AHEAD Since the turn of the decade, Joe Root has been the only Test batter to score over 5,000 runs. He has amassed 5,939 runs in 69 Tests at a staggering average of 54.48.The England superstar has surged ahead of the other three members of the modern-day 'Big Four'—Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson.Root endured a challenging period as England's Test captain between 2020 and 2022, but his batting remained unaffected. Since stepping down from the role in March 2022, he has scored over 3,400 runs, including 12 centuries, at an average of 56. He has continued to play a pivotal role in England's Test side, emerging as a key figure in the Bazball era.Root served as England's Test captain from 2017 to 2022, leading the side in 64 matches—more than any other England captain. Under his leadership, England recorded notable series wins, including victories away in South Africa and Sri Lanka. He led by example, often producing crucial innings in difficult conditions. One of the standout performances of his captaincy came in 2021, when he scored a double century in his 100th Test match against India, becoming the first player to achieve such a feat.advertisementBeyond his batting, Root is also one of the best slip fielders of his generation. In 2025, he overtook the record for the most catches in Test cricket by a non-wicket-keeper, moving past the previous mark of 210. His anticipation and sharp reflexes in the cordon have made him a constant threat to opposition batters.Root's career hasn't been without challenges—particularly in Australia, where he is yet to score a Test century. However, considering his form in the last three years, it will be unwise to discount an Ashes special later this year in Australia. - EndsMust Watch
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