Cricket Kitchen

Joe Root Becomes Second-Highest Run-Scorer in Test Cricket

August 1, 2025

 

Kathmandu-  England’s legendary batter Joe Root has climbed to second place on the all-time list of highest Test run-scorers after scoring a century against India in the fourth Test match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Root scored 120 runs, marking his 38th Test century, equaling Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara in terms of centuries.

With this hundred, Root has surpassed cricket greats like Ricky Ponting (Australia), Jacques Kallis (South Africa), and Rahul Dravid (India) in total Test runs. He now has a tally of 13,409 runs in Test cricket.

Root is currently 2,512 runs behind India’s legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar, who remains the highest run-scorer in Test history.

Tendulkar played 200 Test matches between 1989 and 2013 and amassed 15,921 runs. In comparison, Root—who began his Test career in 2012—has played only 157 Tests so far. At 34 years old, if he remains fit and plays consistently for a few more years (approximately 30 more Tests), he has a realistic chance of surpassing Tendulkar’s record.

Top 5 Highest Run-Scorers in Test Cricket

Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 15,921 runs

Joe Root (England) – 13,409 runs

Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 13,378 runs

Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 13,289 runs

Rahul Dravid (India) – 13,288 runs