Joe Root has surpassed Sir Alistair Cook to become England‘s highest-ever run scorer in Test cricket.
The 33-year-old has been gradually making his way up the all-time list in recent months, moving into sixth place during the summer.
That put the Yorkshire batsman on the brink of finally overtaking Cook, who was fifth on that aforementioned list with his 12,472 runs from 161 matches.
On a flat batting pitch in Multan, the first Test match with Pakistan this week represented an opportunity for Root to etch his name in England history with a feat that will realistically stand the test of time.
When on 67 on the third day’s play, Root sent a straight drive past bowler Aamer Jamal to break the record in front of what is a relatively-sparse crowd.
Joe Root becomes England’s leading Test-match run scorer 👏 pic.twitter.com/BQxfF5VBc4
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) October 9, 2024
Why Root is the greatest
While the moment would have been more fitting had it taken place in front of a packed England support earlier this year, Root will be delighted to officially become England’s greatest batsman in history.
He brought up this feat in 14 fewer Test matches and 23 fewer innings than Cook, his average in the region of 51 while Cook ended on 45.35.
Root may have recorded more ducks than Cook – 12 to nine – but he has more fifties, centuries and sixes in comparison to the fellow former captain.
However, Root has some way to go to move any higher on the all-time list with India’s Rahul Dravid just under 800 runs ahead of him in fourth position.
Ben Duckett is trapped in front LBW and Aamer Jamal is PUMPED! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MTQ9wZ3gtR
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) October 9, 2024
What is the current state of play against Pakistan?
Midway through day three, England were sitting on 286-3, still trailing Pakistan’s first-innings total of 556 by 270 runs.
Root remained unbeaten on 86 from 148 deliveries, with Harry Brook hitting a run-a-ball 32 since replacing Ben Duckett after his teammate’s 84 from 75 balls.
