Joe Root Emerges as Test Cricket's Second Highest Run-Scorer in Historic Milestone

England cricket star Joe Root has achieved a monumental feat, becoming the second highest run-scorer in the history of Test cricket. This milestone was reached during the fourth Test match between England and India at Old Trafford on July 25, 2025.

On the third day of the Test, Root scored a splendid century, his 38th in the format, advancing from 11 not out to surpass former cricket legends Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting on the all-time Test run-scorers list. He carefully progressed through the innings, passing Dravid upon reaching 30 runs and quickly moving past Kallis. His mark came when he edged past Ponting with a late cut for a single, raising his tally beyond 13,357 runs, Ponting's total, with the enthusiastic Old Trafford crowd applauding the achievement.

At 35 years old, Root now trails only the iconic Sachin Tendulkar, whose record remains at 15,921 runs, still a couple thousand runs clear. Root's accomplishment is made even more impressive by the fact that he achieved this tally in 11 fewer matches than Ponting did.

Root's cricketing form remains robust since stepping down from the England Test captaincy three years ago, with no signs of decline. Described as playing like "Peter Pan," he has maintained a remarkable level of fitness and consistency, having missed only two Tests since his debut.

Experts predict that Root could surpass Tendulkar's record in the near future if he continues at his current pace and stays fit. Root has scored over 2,600 runs in his last 29 Tests, indicating he has the potential to break the all-time record currently held by Tendulkar. As the ongoing series against India continues, Root is expected to add more runs, bringing the cricket world closer to witnessing a new record holder.

This achievement not only cements Root's legacy as one of the game's all-time greats but also energizes cricket fans worldwide as they watch history unfold on the pitch.