Joe Root’s Test Runs: England’s Batting Genius in Focus

Joe Root has redefined consistency in Test cricket. This article explores Joe Root’s Test run journey, stats, centuries, career milestones, and how he surpassed legends like Steve Smith and Sachin Tendulkar to become one of the all-time greats.

Why Joe Root’s Runs Are Cricket Gold

Joe Root walks out to bat, and you can feel the crowd lean in. There’s something about him—part Yorkshire grit, part pure class—that makes every innings worth watching. With over 14,000 Joe Root Test runs as of July 2025, he’s not just England’s best; he’s chasing cricket’s biggest names, like Sachin Tendulkar. Whether you’re glued to every ball or just love a good sports story, Root’s journey is a masterclass in batting. This piece digs into his Joe Root Test cricket record, his duels with Steve Smith, and why his stats are only half the story. Let’s unpack what makes Root a cricketing gem.

Joe Root’s Test Record: Runs That Define a Career

Since his debut in 2012, Joe Root has been England’s rock. Across 143 Tests, he’s stacked up runs like nobody’s business. Here’s the lowdown on his Joe Root cricket stats:

• Total Runs: 14,125 (as of July 2025)
• Matches: 143
• Batting Average: 50.45
• Centuries: 38 (England’s record)
• Fifties: 61
• Best Score: 254 vs. Pakistan (2016)

Root’s got this knack for scoring big, no matter the pitch—think swinging English grass or flat Aussie roads. His Joe Root batting average Test of 50.45 shows he’s not just surviving; he’s thriving. Second only to Tendulkar in all-time runs, he’s the guy you bet on when the chips are down.

Joe Root’s Test Centuries: Innings That Stay with You

Root’s 38 Joe Root Test centuries are England’s best, and each one’s got a story. He’s passed giants like Alastair Cook and Kevin Pietersen, turning big moments into bigger scores.

Root’s Best Hundreds

• The First: 104 vs. New Zealand at Headingley (2013). A kid from Sheffield proving he’s the real deal.
• The Epic: 228 in Galle (2021). Spinners had no answers as he batted for hours.
• The Quick One: 111 off 106 balls vs. New Zealand (2022). Proof he can go big and fast.

Root’s centuries aren’t just runs—they’re game-changers. His 180 in the 2013 Ashes had Australia on their knees, built on crisp drives and clever nudges. It’s like watching a chef whip up a dish with whatever’s in the pantry—Root makes it work.

Joe Root vs. Cricket’s Big Dogs: Smith and Tendulkar

Root’s Joe Root all-time Test batting stats put him in the ring with the game’s heavyweights. Let’s see how he measures up to Steve Smith and Sachin Tendulkar.

Joe Root Surpasses Steve Smith

Root left Smith in the dust in 2023 for most runs in Test cricket. Root’s at 14,125 runs; Smith’s stuck at 10,571. Sure, Smith’s average (56.97) tops Root’s (50.45), but Root’s played more games (143 vs. 109) and keeps delivering.

Think back to 2021 in India: Root’s 218 was a gut-punch to the hosts, while Smith’s 131, though tidy, didn’t hit the same. Root’s like the mate who’s always there, grinding out runs when the team needs him most.

Joe Root vs. Sachin Tendulkar

Taking on Tendulkar—15,921 runs, 51 centuries, 200 Tests—is like climbing Everest. Root’s 1,796 runs behind, but at 34, he’s got time. If he keeps dropping 800 runs a year, he could top Sachin by 2028.

What’s Root’s edge? He’s not just a batter. He’s nabbed 50+ wickets with his off-spin and 204 catches in the field—England’s outfield record. His 454-run stand with Harry Brook in 2024? A world record Sachin never touched.

Joe Root’s Career Milestones: From Rookie to Star

Root’s Joe Root career milestones are the kind of stuff you tell your kids about. Here’s the highlight reel:

• 2012: Debut vs. India. Scored 73, cool as you like, to save a draw.
• 2017: Took the England captaincy. Led to 27 wins in 64 Tests.
• 2019: Smashed runs in England’s World Cup win. Not just a Test guy.
• 2022: Hit 10,000 Test runs. Only Cook’s done that for England.
• 2024: Passed Steve Smith to lead active Test run-scorers.

Root’s the guy you want in a crisis. As Ian Bell once said, “Joe’s got this calm that spreads through the team.”

Where Root Stands Among Test Run Scorers

Root’s tearing up the top Test run scorers list. Here’s the pecking order for July 2025:

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India): 15,921 runs
2. Joe Root (England): 14,125 runs
3. Ricky Ponting (Australia): 13,378 runs
4. Jacques Kallis (South Africa): 13,289 runs
5. Rahul Dravid (India): 13,288 runs

Root’s left Ponting and Kallis behind, and he’s got Sachin in his sights. His style—part textbook, part street-smart—feels like it belongs to another era. Oh, and his 198-run stand with James Anderson in 2014? That’s a Test record for the 10th wicket.

Quick Fact: Root’s 204 catches as an outfielder are an England high. He’s not just a batter.

What Makes Root’s Batting So Good?

Root’s Joe Root cricket stats come from a mix of brains and skill. Here’s why he’s a cut above:

• Plays the Conditions: Green pitches, dusty tracks—he’s got an answer for everything.
• Shot Selection: Drives, sweeps, even the odd ramp shot. He’s got it all.
• Big Scores: Turning 61 fifties into 38 hundreds is next-level mental toughness.

He’s not perfect. Spin can get him early, and he’s had a few soft dismissals. But those are rare for a guy who’s basically England’s batting spine.

What Others Miss About Root

Most articles on Joe Root Test runs just give you numbers. We’re digging deeper:

• The Bloke: Root’s a Sheffield guy with a laugh that makes him one of us.
• England’s Anchor: His runs drive England’s “Bazball” vibe, especially since he ditched the captaincy.
• The Big Picture: Root could hit 16,000 runs. Most sites don’t even mention that.

And don’t sleep on his bowling—50+ wickets—or his fielding. Those catches have swung Tests England’s way.

FAQs: Your Joe Root Questions Answered

Conclusion: Joe Root’s Runs Are Just the Beginning

Joe Root’s Test runs aren’t just stats—they’re the pulse of England’s Test team. With 38 centuries, a 50.45 average, and a shot at Tendulkar’s record, he’s writing cricket history.