ENG vs IND 2025: Joe Root becomes the first batsman to score 3000 runs against India

Joe Root made history on Thursday, July 10, by becoming the first batsman in the world to score 3000 Test runs against India. This remarkable milestone cements Root’s legacy as one of the greatest batsmen of his era, especially when it comes to performing against one of the strongest bowling lineups in the world. Over the last 93 years, more than 300 players have featured in Test matches against India, but no one has dominated the Indian bowling attack quite like Joe Root.

The 34-year-old Englishman achieved the milestone during his 60th innings against India, in which he also notched up his 13th half-century. Root’s track record against India is truly exceptional: 10 Test centuries, 13 fifties, and an incredible average of over 57. In fact, on average, Indian bowlers have needed about 105 deliveries (almost 18 overs) to dismiss him in each innings—a testament to his consistency, patience, and technical brilliance.

Root’s highest score against India is 218, a monumental innings he played in Chennai during England’s tour of India in 2021. That knock not only displayed his class but also underlined his ability to adapt to different conditions and dominate quality spinners on subcontinent pitches. Root’s strong performances are not limited to home conditions; he has consistently performed against India both in England and abroad.

Among other top batsmen, Ricky Ponting comes closest to Root’s tally against India, having scored 2,555 runs in 51 innings at an average of 54. Besides Root and Ponting, six more batsmen have crossed the 2000-run mark in Tests against India: Alastair Cook, Steve Smith, Clive Lloyd, Javed Miandad, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and Michael Clarke. But Root now stands alone at the top, having surpassed them all.

What makes this feat even more impressive is that Root also completed 4000 international runs against India across formats, becoming the first English player and just the fourth overall to do so. He reached the 4000-run mark during this same Test, needing 45 more runs at the start of the innings. He accomplished it stylishly by hitting a boundary off Nitish Reddy in the 44th over. This achievement came in his 33rd match against India, again underscoring his consistency.

It’s safe to say that India is one of Joe Root’s favorite opponents. His average of 57.53 against India is significantly higher than his already impressive career average of 50.92. Of his 67 Test half-centuries, 13 have come against India, and 10 of his 36 centuries have been scored against them. These numbers clearly show how much Root enjoys batting against India’s bowling attack, whether it’s the pace of Bumrah and Shami or the spin of Ashwin and Jadeja.

With the current Test being played on a slow and flat pitch at Lord’s, Root may not stop at just a half-century. Fans and analysts are now hoping to see him convert it into his 11th century against India, which would tie him with Steve Smith for the most Test centuries scored against India. Given his form and experience, that record certainly looks within reach.

Root's achievement not only highlights his personal excellence but also marks a significant moment in the history of England vs India Test cricket. As one of the most respected and admired players in world cricket, Joe Root continues to raise the bar and inspire future generations of batsmen with his poise, technique, and hunger for runs.