In the world of Test cricket, longevity and consistency often define greatness. And right now, one name making headlines is Joe Root. The English batter has surpassed Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history—just behind the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
This article looks into where Root now stands, what this means in the larger context of Test history, and how things are shaping up in upcoming Test matches.
Joe Root’s Test Journey
Joe Root, at 34 years old, continues to be one of England’s most dependable batters. Playing against India in the ongoing five-match Test series, Root passed Ponting’s 13,378 run mark during a steady innings that once again highlighted his composure and skill in long-format cricket.
With this, Root now has more than 13,400 Test runs, placing him second in the list of most runs in Test cricket, right after Sachin Tendulkar, who still leads with 15,921 runs.
Root’s style has always been about control, technique, and patience. Unlike some stroke-heavy modern batters, he builds innings the old-school way. And this has paid off, especially over the last decade where he’s become the anchor of England’s Test side.
Highest Test Runs (Top 5 as of Now)
Here’s how the current list of most test runs looks:
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Sachin Tendulkar – 15,921 runs
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Joe Root – Over 13,400 runs (and counting)
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Ricky Ponting – 13,378 runs
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Jacques Kallis – 13,289 runs
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Rahul Dravid – 13,288 runs
It’s clear that Root is closing in on an elite club and could, with a few more years of cricket, become the top run-scorer in Test cricket history.
What Makes This Even More Special?
Joe Root reaching second spot isn’t just about statistics. It comes during a key moment in world cricket. With the England vs India Test series heating up, his contributions have been central to keeping England in the game.
The matches are being streamed live across major platforms, drawing viewers from all over the cricketing world. If you’re following the current series, Root’s form could very well decide how the rest of the Tests go.
Upcoming Schedule and Live Streaming
The England-India series continues with matches scheduled through August 2025. Matches are broadcast live in India and the UK through official sports streaming platforms and television networks.
Joe Root’s next appearances will be highly watched, especially now that he’s just one long series away from challenging Tendulkar’s record.
Sachin Tendulkar Stats Still on Top
Sachin Tendulkar, often called the “Little Master,” retired with a Test career that spanned 24 years. His stats are remarkable—15,921 runs in 200 matches, 51 Test centuries, and a strike rate of 54.
While Root is behind in total centuries and average (Tendulkar retired at a Test average of 53.78), the English batter is within touching distance of the overall run count if he stays fit and consistent.
Jacques Kallis: A Balanced Great
While the conversation often focuses on Tendulkar and Root, Jacques Kallis remains one of the most complete Test cricketers. With over 13,000 runs and nearly 300 wickets, Kallis’ contribution to South Africa was unmatched. He may not be at the top in runs alone, but his all-round impact keeps him in every major Test cricket conversation.
Final Thoughts
The race for the highest runs in Test cricket has become interesting again. Joe Root’s rise is not just about personal milestones—it’s about keeping the traditional Test format alive and exciting. As England continues its battles on the field, all eyes will be on Root to see if he can close the gap on Sachin Tendulkar.
With a strong schedule ahead and consistent performance, that record might just be within reach
