Joe Root, England’s talismanic batter, has etched his name into the annals of Test cricket history by surpassing Alastair Cook’s record for the most runs scored by an English batsman. On the third day of the opening Test against Pakistan in Multan, Root drove a boundary off Aamer Jamal to reach the milestone of 12,472 runs, eclipsing Cook’s tally of 12,472.
Root’s achievement is a testament to his remarkable consistency and longevity at the highest level. He has played 268 innings and 147 Tests to reach the record, while Cook achieved his tally in 161 Tests. Root’s average of 50.27 is also among the highest among all-time Test run-scorers.
The 33-year-old Yorkshireman made his Test debut in 2012 and has since become one of the most respected and admired players in the game. He has captained England in 64 Tests, leading them to several memorable victories.
Root’s record-breaking innings was met with applause from a handful of England fans at Multan stadium as well as his team-mates in the dressing room. He reached the milestone with a typically composed and elegant drive through the covers.
The all-time list of Test run-scorers is headed by India’s Sachin Tendulkar with 15,921 runs from 200 matches. Root is now fifth on the list, behind Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting (13,378), Jacques Kallis (13,289), and Rahul Dravid (13,288).
Root’s achievement is a proud moment for English cricket and a fitting tribute to one of the greatest batsmen of his generation. He is a role model for aspiring cricketers and an inspiration to fans around the world.
