Joe Root: Poised to Climb to 2nd on Test Run‑Scorers Chart
Cricket’s run‑machines don’t come much fresher than Joe Root. As of mid‑2025, he has amassed over 13,259 Test runs, leaving him a mere 120 runs behind Ricky Ponting, the current second‑highest Test run‑scorer with 13,378 runs, and trailing only Sachin Tendulkar’s iconic 15,921. With his 156 Test appearances and a stellar batting average of 50.80, Root is nearly at cricketing Mount Everest—rising fast to etch his name into history.
How Root Reached This Apex
- Fastest to 13,000 runs: Reached the milestone in just 279 innings, quicker than any batter in history.
- England’s all‑time best: Surpassed Alastair Cook’s Test run tally to become England’s top run‑scorer.
- Prolific consistency: Debuted in 2012, accumulating 37 centuries and 66 fifties in just 156 Tests—a testament to longevity and skill.
The Numbers That Speak Volumes
| Rank | Player | Test Runs | Tests | Avg | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 15,921 | 200 | 53.78 | 51 |
| 2 | Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 13,378 | 168 | 51.85 | 41 |
| 3 | Joe Root (ENG) | 13,259+ | 156 | 50.80 | 37 |
Root trails Ponting by just 120 runs—and having eased past the legends, he’s racing to claim No. 2
What This Means Strategically
1. He’s closing fast
Only 120 runs stand between Root and one of cricket’s most enduring records.
2. Time and opportunity favor him
At 34 years old, he still commands a spot in the England Test side—and England traditionally schedules more Tests than most nations.
3. A race to second, then pursuit of first
Once past Ponting, attention will shift to Tendulkar’s towering 15,921-run mark—about 2,660 runs ahead—but Root has the form and fitness to mount a chase.
Fans & Analysts React
- Former captain Alastair Cook lauds Root’s skill and believes he has the temperament to challenge Tendulkar’s record.
- Cricket analysts note Root has remained relatively injury‑free—unlike peers such as Virat Kohli or Steve Smith—boosting his longevity.
What Root Needs to Do
- Play consistently through England’s upcoming home Tests and tours.
- Maintain form on subcontinent and pace-friendly pitches.
- Steer clear of major injuries to prolong his run-scoring campaign.
All eyes are on the upcoming 4th Test vs India at Old Trafford (July 23–27) as a possible stage where Root can cross Ponting’s mark.
A Legend in the Making
Joe Root stands at a crucial juncture. With his 13,259+ runs and just 120 away from passing Ricky Ponting, he’s on the cusp of securing the No. 2 spot in Test cricket’s run‑scorers list. A few more solid innings, perhaps one major century, and he’ll rewrite the record books. Beyond that lies Mount Tendulkar—and if his current form and endurance continue, Root might just become cricket’s next record-breaking icon.
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