When it comes to modern cricket legends, few names shine as brightly as Joe Root. On Day 3 of the Multan Test during the Pakistan national cricket team vs England cricket team series, Root did what many thought might never happen — surpassing Alastair Cook’s monumental tally of 12,472 Test runs. Root’s historic milestone was a defining moment, not just for his career, but for England cricket as a whole.
The Test match in Multan was a veritable run-fest for Root, but the bigger story was how he climbed to the pinnacle of England’s cricketing hierarchy, becoming the country’s all-time leading run-scorer in Test matches. This article takes you through the timeline of this iconic moment, Joe Root’s journey to this record-breaking feat, and how his achievements rank him among cricket’s elite.
The Historic Moment: Root Surpasses Cook
In the second Test of the Pakistan vs England series in Multan, Joe Root achieved what no other English batsman had before — overtaking Alastair Cook to become England’s all-time top scorer in Test cricket. The moment arrived as Root passed Cook’s long-standing record of 12,472 runs, etching his name into the history books.
Root’s achievement was not just a stroke of brilliance but a testament to his incredible consistency. He has amassed these runs over 268 innings, whereas Cook took 291 to reach his total, further solidifying Root’s status as one of the greats.
Joe Root’s Double Hundred: The Icing on the Cake
Root wasn’t content with merely breaking a record — he wanted to leave an indelible mark on the series. During the same Test in Multan, he hit his sixth Test double century, punishing Pakistan’s bowlers as he cruised to 200 runs off 305 balls. This double hundred placed him in an elite club of cricketers and cemented his dominance over the Pakistan bowling attack.
Interestingly, Root’s double hundred allowed him to join another elite list, becoming only the second active cricketer (after Virat Kohli) to surpass the 20,000-run mark in international cricket. It was a day of milestones for Root, a day where records seemed to tumble with every passing over.
Root’s Fortunate Escape
Luck was also on Root’s side in Multan. Early on Day 4, while on 186 runs, he was dropped by none other than Babar Azam, giving the England star a second life at the crease. Pakistan’s young pacer Naseem Shah had been on the brink of a breakthrough, but Root capitalized on this stroke of fortune to reach his double century, punishing Pakistan further and pushing England to a commanding position in the Test.
Joe Root: A Timeline of Record-Breaking Moments
- Early Career Rise: Root made his Test debut in December 2012 against India, immediately showing promise as a steady and composed batsman. His maiden century soon followed, and it became clear that he was no ordinary cricketer.
- Climbing the Ladder: By 2015, Root had cemented his place as a core member of the England Test team. He began to pile on runs consistently, playing across various conditions and against formidable opponents.
- Leadership Role: In 2017, Root took over as England’s Test captain, and while the captaincy came with its own challenges, Root never let it hinder his form with the bat. His run-scoring spree continued, proving that leadership only added to his focus.
- Breaking the 10,000 Run Mark: In June 2022, Root became the second Englishman and the 14th cricketer in history to cross the 10,000 run milestone in Test cricket. He joined Alastair Cook in the exclusive 10k club.
- Surpassing Cook: The Multan Test in December 2024 will be remembered as the match where Joe Root overtook Alastair Cook’s Test run tally. With 12,472 runs to beat, Root climbed the summit and became England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer.
How Root Compares to the All-Time Greats
Now that Joe Root has climbed past Cook, his name sits comfortably among the legends of the game. Root is currently fifth in the all-time list of Test run-scorers, trailing behind cricket giants such as Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, and Rahul Dravid. Given that Root still has several good years left in his career, there’s no telling how far he can climb on this illustrious list.
Moreover, with 20,000+ international runs, Root is part of an elite group of cricketers, joining the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Ricky Ponting in the conversation of the best modern-day batsmen. What sets Root apart, however, is his consistency across all formats of the game and his ability to perform under pressure.
FAQs
As of the Multan Test, Joe Root has surpassed 12,472 Test runs, making him England’s all-time leading run-scorer in Test matches.
Joe Root has scored six Test double centuries, including his latest double ton in the Multan Test against Pakistan.
Joe Root has crossed the 20,000-run mark in international cricket, becoming the second active cricketer after Virat Kohli to achieve this feat.
Joe Root surpassed Alastair Cook, who held the previous record with 12,472 runs.
Joe Root is currently fifth on the all-time Test run-scorer list, behind players like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, and Rahul Dravid.
Conclusion
Joe Root’s performance in the Pakistan vs England series, particularly in the Multan Test, is a defining chapter in his remarkable career. Breaking Alastair Cook’s record to become England’s highest Test run-scorer is a testament to Root’s skill, perseverance, and unmatched consistency.
As Root continues to shine, his name will be forever remembered alongside the greatest cricketers the world has ever seen. Whether it’s his precise strokeplay, his incredible mental fortitude, or his ability to deliver under pressure, Root is a modern-day legend, cementing his place in the annals of cricket history.
For cricket fans and historians alike, Joe Root’s ascent to the top is not just a personal triumph but a reminder of what relentless dedication to the game can achieve. As England’s numero uno, Root now leads a legacy that will inspire future generations of cricketers.
