Category: Cricket, Sports

Joe Root Becomes England’s Highest Test Run-Scorer, Surpassing Cook

Joe Root Becomes England's Highest Test Run-Scorer, Surpassing Alastair Cook

Joe Root has etched his name into cricket history by becoming England’s highest Test run-scorer of all time. In a remarkable feat, Root surpassed Sir Alastair Cook’s record of 12,472 Test runs during the third day of the first Test against Pakistan in Multan. With a signature straight drive, Root reached 71 runs, marking the milestone in just his 147th Test match.

At 33, the former England captain has displayed an incredible consistency in his career. Root, who made his Test debut in 2012 against India, has accumulated an impressive 34 Test centuries, including a career-best score of 254 against Pakistan. In surpassing Cook, Root now sits fifth on the all-time list of highest Test run-scorers globally, trailing only cricketing legends like Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, Ricky Ponting, and Sachin Tendulkar.

Root’s career has been a testament to determination, skill, and relentless hunger for runs. He averages over 50 in Test cricket and has been in phenomenal form, averaging 61 since the start of 2023. Many cricket pundits believe that if Root maintains his current form, he could challenge Tendulkar’s all-time record of 15,921 runs, a feat many considered untouchable.

The Evolution of Joe Root's Batting Style

One of the key reasons behind Joe Root’s success has been his willingness to evolve. Between 2017 and 2022, Root struggled with lbw dismissals against fast bowlers, with almost 22% of his dismissals coming from this mode. However, Root adapted, and since 2023, his interception point has moved 40 cm further from the stumps, reducing his vulnerability to lbws. Only 11% of his dismissals have been lbw since this adjustment, showing how Root has constantly worked on his technique to remain at the top of his game.

Root’s adaptability has allowed him to consistently score runs against the world’s best bowling attacks, and his ability to learn from setbacks has elevated him to a place among cricket’s elite.

Praise from Cricketing Legends

Root’s achievement has drawn praise from former England cricketers, including Alastair Cook himself. Cook, who held the previous record, lauded Root’s consistency and hunger for runs. “Losing the captaincy wasn’t easy for Joe, but it seems to have taken him to another level in terms of consistency,” Cook said.

Cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew believes Root’s record is unlikely to be broken by any future English cricketer. “Whatever Root’s final tally may be, it will be hard to surpass,” Agnew remarked, noting Root’s supreme form and his meticulous approach to batting.

David Gower and Michael Atherton, both of whom were in Multan to witness the record-breaking moment, praised Root’s consistency and elegance at the crease. Atherton commented, “He’s been so consistent over the years and has done it in a way which is pleasing on the eye.”

Root’s Legacy in English Cricket

Joe Root’s legacy is already secure as one of England’s finest cricketers, and with several more years likely ahead of him, he could continue to set records. Root’s career is not just defined by numbers but also by his classy, elegant style of play that has captivated cricket fans worldwide.

As he continues to build on his remarkable run of form, Joe Root remains an example of skill, dedication, and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence. With his name now at the top of England’s Test run charts, there’s no doubt that Root’s place among cricket’s all-time greats is well deserved.