Joe Root Surpasses Ponting to Become Second-Highest Run-Scorer in Test History | Sri Lankan Post News
Manchester, July 26 — England’s Joe Root has cemented his place among cricket’s all-time greats, overtaking Australia’s Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history. The milestone came on Friday during the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, when Root reached 120 runs, pushing his career total past Ponting’s 13,378.
Earlier in the day, the former England captain had also surpassed legends Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis. Now, only India’s Sachin Tendulkar — with an unmatched tally of 15,921 Test runs — stands ahead of him.
“Magnificent from Root. This is a great moment in history,” said Ponting, now a commentator with Sky Sports, as the Manchester crowd rose to its feet in applause. “There’s absolutely no reason why he won’t go past Tendulkar.”
A Modern Great with Classical Style
At 34, Root continues to shine with a graceful and traditional batting style rarely seen in today’s fast-paced game. Despite the explosive trends of modern cricket, Root remains a master of timing and placement over power.
Former England captains have heaped praise on him. Alastair Cook — whose own record of 33 Test centuries Root broke — called him “England’s greatest” and “a genius.” Nasser Hussain has described Root as “England’s generational talent.”
Root’s rise began humbly. After debuting in 2010 and making a gritty 73 in his first Test appearance in Nagpur in 2012, he quickly established himself with centuries at Headingley and Lord’s in 2013. Though he faced setbacks — including being dropped during England’s Ashes whitewash in 2013/14 — he bounced back with double centuries and consistent performances.
Leadership and Legacy
As England’s Test captain from 2017 to 2022, Root led in more matches (64) and recorded more wins (27) than any other captain. Even amid a struggling team, he stood out — especially in 2021, when he scored 1,708 runs at an average of 61 and was named ICC Test Cricketer of the Year.
Since handing over the captaincy to Ben Stokes, Root has flourished further, scoring 13 Test hundreds and remaining a cornerstone of England’s batting lineup. Though occasionally tempted by the high-risk “Bazball” approach, he has mostly stuck to his classical roots, maintaining a batting average over 50 — a mark of true greatness.
With more than 73 Test wickets and over 13,000 runs, Joe Root is already a legend. The road to Tendulkar’s towering record is still long, but given his hunger, form, and class, few would doubt his ability to get there.
“It’s been a privilege to watch him achieve these milestones,” said former England captain Michael Atherton. “And an even greater one to witness his career unfold.”
