The fourth Test between England and India of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Manchester ended draw. Indian batsmen showed magnificent dedication and patients to survive one and half day after going 311 runs deficit.
Draw was a disappointment for the English team, but this Test bring lot of joy for veteran batsman Joe Root who surpassed many milestones in one innings he played of the Test.
In achievements, Root has surpassed notable figures such as Rahul Dravid (13,288 runs), Jacques Kallis (13,289 runs), and Ricky Ponting (13,378 runs), further cementing his status as one of the modern game’s batting giants.
In the Fourth Test, Joe Root’s century marked his 38th in Test matches, placing him among the elite. Only three batsmen-Sachin Tendulkar (51), Jacques Kallis (45), and Ricky Ponting (41)-boast more centuries in the format. Root’s 12th century against India is a record for the most by any batsman against a single opponent, surpassing legends like Don Bradman (19 against England) and Sunil Gavaskar (13 against West Indies).
Root has scored an impressive 23 Test centuries at home in England, tying him for the most by any batter in a single country. Pundits note that only Ricky Ponting (Australia), Jacques Kallis (South Africa) and Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) also have 23 centuries in their respective nations. Additionally, Root has amassed 7,195 runs in Tests played on English soil-third on the all-time list by a batter in a single country, behind Ponting (7,578 in Australia) and Tendulkar (7,216 in India).
Joe Root is widely recognized as one of the most influential players in England’s cricketing landscape. Renowned for his impeccable batting technique, strategic leadership, and consistent performances, Root has established himself as a cornerstone of the national team. As a top- order batsman, he has played a crucial role in stabilising innings and anchoring the batting line-up during critical moments. His composed demeanour and tactical intelligence make him a dependable figure in high-pressure situations, commanding respect from teammates and opponents alike.
Root’s versatility across all formats-Test, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and
T20s-underscores his importance to England’s strategic play. His ability to adapt to diverse conditions and formats has been instrumental in England’s successes on the international stage. Throughout his illustrious career, Root has amassed an impressive array of runs, often serving as the backbone of England’s batting order. His centuries and match-defining scores have played pivotal roles in securing victories, especially in challenging overseas conditions.
Beyond his batting prowess, Root’s leadership as captain has significantly contributed to England’s cricketing achievements. His motivational approach and team spirit have driven the squad through notable campaigns, including World Cup attempts and Ashes series triumphs.
Overall, Root embodies stability, resilience, and strategic insight-traits that make him indispensable to England’s pursuit of excellence in international cricket.
Currently, Joe Root stands as the leading run-scorer among active batsmen. In a recent innings of 150 runs at Manchester, he surpassed a milestone, becoming the second-highest all-time Test run-scorer with 13,309 runs, trailing only the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 15,921 runs. Root faced Tendulkar only once-on his Test debut in Nagpur in 2012-and now finds himself within reach of the iconic record. Tendulkar’s debut predated Root’s birth, adding a historical perspective to the ongoing race.
While Tendulkar’s record may not serve as a primary motivation, Root still has a tangible chance of breaking it. With 2,512 runs to his name and an impressive tally of 2,556 runs in his last 50 innings since February 2023, he is well-positioned. Given England’s average schedule of 12 to 14 Tests annually, it is conceivable that Root could surpass Tendulkar’s milestone by the end of 2027.
Widely regarded as one of the finest Test players of the modern era, Joe Root’s formidable statistics and elegant, composed batting style have secured his place among cricketing legends.
His ability to handle pressure and his high conversion rate of fifties into centuries in recent years underscore his consistency and class.
At 34, Root remains one of the most consistent performers of his generation. Over the past five years, he has maintained a remarkable average of 55.33, scoring 21 of his 38 career centuries in that period. Since stepping down as captain, he has played 40 Tests with an extraordinary average of 57.70, including 13 centuries.
Root also holds multiple partnership records for England. Alongside Harry Brook, he shares the world record for the highest fourth-wicket stand (454 runs) in Tests, and with James Anderson, he holds the highest tenth-wicket partnership (198).
A key member of England’s victorious 2019 Cricket World Cup squad, Root was the top scorer for England in that tournament. As of July 2024, he has ranked atop the ICC Test batting rankings nine times. He captained England from February 2017 until April 2022, succeeding Alastair Cook. During his tenure, England faced mixed fortunes: three series losses against New Zealand, no Ashes victories and consecutive away series defeats to the West Indies.
Under his leadership, England’s batting average dipped by about eight runs compared to when he was not captain. A period of over a year without a Test hundred also marked his captaincy.
Nonetheless, he holds England records for the most Test matches played (64), most wins (27) and most losses (26) as captain.
Relieved of leadership duties in 2022 and reinvigorated by England’s “Bazball” philosophy, Root rediscovered his finest form. Since then, he has averaged 57 with 11 centuries from 35 Tests, striking at nearly 70, reaffirming his status as one of the game’s modern greats.
In 2018, during England’s 1,000th Test, Root was named in the country’s greatest all-time Test XI by the England and Wales Cricket Board. He was honored as the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year and the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World in 2021.
Perhaps most remarkable is Root’s unwavering fitness. Since his debut in Nagpur in 2012, England have played 159 Tests, and Root has only missed two-once when dropped and once during paternity leave. Despite occasional back issues, he has never missed a match due to injury over his 13-year Test career.
Overall, Joe Root’s cricketing journey includes 157 Tests, 179 ODIs, and 32 T20Is, reaffirming his status as a modern legend of the game.
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