By Sunidhi - May 22, 2025
Joe Root becomes only the fifth player to surpass 13,000 runs in Test cricket, achieving the milestone in the England vs. Zimbabwe Test. Root's achievement cements his status among cricket greats like Tendulkar and Ponting, despite a modest score in the match. Root's consistency and skill have been pivotal for England's success in Test cricket for over a decade.
Joe Root via Getty images
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The legendary English batsman Joe Root has etched his name into cricket history by becoming only the fifth player to surpass 13,000 runs in Test cricket. Achieving this iconic milestone at Trent Bridge in Nottingham during the ongoing England vs. Zimbabwe Test in 2025, Root once again showcased his class and consistency. Known for his elegant strokeplay and unwavering focus, this achievement reflects his immense contribution to the game and cements his place among the all-time greats in the longest format of cricket.
Reaching the milestone in his 153rd Test and his 279th innings, Root surpassed Jacques Kallis (280 innings) to become the fastest player to reach the 13,000-run milestone in terms of innings. Root's most recent accomplishment puts him in the company of cricket greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, and Rahul Dravid. He has further cemented his reputation as one of England's best Test players by being the first English batter to reach the 13,000-run mark.
Even though Root only managed a meager 34 in the opening innings before losing to Blessing Muzarabani of Zimbabwe, he still serves as a pillar of England's middle order. With centuries from Ollie Pope (169), Ben Duckett (140), and Zak Crawley (124), England dominated Day 1 and finished at 498/3. For more than 10 years, Root's reliable play has been essential to England's success in Test cricket. Root, who combines expertise with unwavering skill, continues to be a pillar as the squad enters a new era.
Fans and analysts alike hailed the achievement, calling it a "monumental moment" in modern cricket. With his current form, Root is poised to climb further up the all-time run-scorer list. For those following Test cricket , Joe Root’s 13,000 runs is a landmark that highlights his exceptional longevity, skill, and determination — a true ambassador of the red-ball game.