Joe Root Now Second On All-Time Test Run‑Scorers List

Joe Root expanded his legacy in cricket history on Day 3 of the Fourth Test match between England and India at Old Trafford on July 25, 2025. He became the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history, behind Sachin Tendulkar, after surpassing the great Ricky Ponting with a brilliant innings of 150, his 38th Test century.

Before tea, he raced past Ponting's 13,378-run total to hit the milestone, raising his total to 13,379 runs. Root also passed Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis in the process, solidifying his position behind only Tendulkar's 15,921.

Historic Feats on a Single Ground

Besides this worldwide achievement, Root became the first player in the 168-year history of cricket at Old Trafford to score 1,000 or more Test runs there. His amazing affection for Manchester was made clear by his constant success in 12 Test matches at the ground, including two hundreds and eight fifties.

Contribution to England’s Dominance

As part of a dominant 544-7 team total, Root's innings gave England a huge 186-run lead over India. He and Ollie Pope (71), who retired injured, shared a commanding 144-run partnership. Ben Stokes also made a heroic 77 not out.

Legacy & What’s Next

With this success, Root joins the top ranks of cricket. He now leads Sachin Tendulkar's record by just over 2,500 runs, but according to experts like Michael Vaughan, he has the skill and capacity to surpass Tendulkar as early as 2027.

Beyond the figures:

 

• The all-time top run-scorer for England in Test matches is Root.
• Earlier in the season, he reached the 13,000-run mark, making him one of just five players to do so.