In a historic moment during the India vs England Test Series 2025, England’s batting stalwart Joe Root added yet another remarkable chapter to his illustrious career. On the fourth day of the fifth Test at Kennington Oval, London, Root etched his name in the record books by becoming the first player ever to cross the 6000-run mark in the World Test Championship (WTC).
A Masterclass Under Gloomy Skies
As London’s overcast sky loomed above the historic venue, Joe Root stood tall, orchestrating a batting masterclass that mesmerized spectators and deflated Indian hopes. With his trademark poise, crisp drives, and calm demeanor, Root dismantled India’s bowling attack—an attack missing the presence of his frequent nemesis, Jasprit Bumrah.
England was chasing a daunting 374-run target, and Root’s innings proved pivotal. He reached the historic 6000 WTC runs milestone during his 69th Test appearance in the championship, a testament to his consistency and dominance in red-ball cricket.
Root Tops the WTC Run Charts
Root’s latest innings not only helped his team stay in the game but also solidified his place at the top of the World Test Championship run-scorers list. With a stunning record of 20 centuries and 23 fifties, he comfortably leads the pack:
Joe Root – 6,000+ runs
Steve Smith – 4,278 runs
Marnus Labuschagne – 4,225 runs
Ben Stokes – 3,616 runs
Travis Head – 3,300 runs
His unmatched run tally showcases his adaptability across conditions and against world-class oppositions.
Root Equals Historic 50+ Record at Home
The 34-year-old brought up his fifty in trademark fashion, guiding the ball to deep backward square leg for a single and acknowledging the applause with a humble raise of his bat. But the celebration wasn’t just about a half-century—it marked his 16th 50-plus score against India in home Tests, equaling Herbie Taylor’s long-standing record of most fifty-plus scores by a batter against a single opposition at home. Only Don Bradman has more, with 17 such scores against England.
On the Trail of the Greats
Root’s incredible form throughout the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has drawn comparisons to the game’s all-time greats. With his latest century, he tied Kumar Sangakkara for the fourth-most Test centuries (38). Only Ricky Ponting (41), Jacques Kallis (45), and Sachin Tendulkar (51) lie ahead.
Notably, Root has now moved past Ponting and Rahul Dravid in the all-time Test run-scorers list, positioning himself directly behind Tendulkar, who holds the record with 15,921 runs. Root’s current trajectory makes it entirely plausible that he could break that legendary record, a feat few believed attainable in the modern era.
Root’s Legacy: Cementing His Place Among the Greats
With every passing innings, Joe Root is redefining modern Test batting. His blend of classical technique, mental toughness, and an unrelenting hunger for runs places him firmly among cricket’s finest. In an age dominated by white-ball power-hitting, Root’s command over the longest format is not only admirable but essential for Test cricket’s sustained appeal.
The IND vs ENG Test series 2025 has been a showcase of elite talent, but Root’s performances have stood out as the defining narrative. As the curtains fall on this gripping series, Joe Root walks away with records, milestones, and admiration from fans around the world.
