Joe Root scored 6000 runs in the Test Championship alone!

Joe Root has etched his name into the history books once again by becoming the first batsman to score 6,000 runs in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). This remarkable feat was achieved during the fourth day of the decisive Test match between England and India at The Oval. Root, one of England's finest-ever batters, reached the milestone in England’s second innings by driving a boundary off India pacer Mohammad Siraj in the 40th over. That boundary took his tally to the magical 6,000-run mark in the WTC, cementing his place as the format’s most prolific scorer. Having scored 29 runs in the first innings of the match, Root needed just 25 runs in the second innings to reach the landmark. As always, he accomplished it with elegance and composure, showcasing the kind of calm brilliance that has defined his career.

This milestone underlines Root’s unmatched consistency and endurance in the red-ball format. In 69 WTC matches, Root has amassed over 6,000 runs with an astonishing average of over 52. His impressive record includes 20 centuries and 22 half-centuries, a testament to his ability to build big innings and anchor his team’s performance across different conditions and opponents. Behind Root in the WTC run charts are several top names in modern-day cricket, including Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Ben Stokes, and Travis Head. Yet, none of them have come close to matching Root’s extraordinary aggregate, making his achievement even more significant.

But Root’s WTC milestone is only part of the story. In the same series against India, he achieved several other individual accolades. During the Manchester Test, he surpassed legendary batters Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history—second only to Indian maestro Sachin Tendulkar. That moment marked a new era for English cricket and reaffirmed Root’s place among the sport’s greatest ever. Furthermore, in the same match, Root scored his 38th Test century, drawing level with Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara and becoming the joint-fourth highest century-scorer in the history of Test cricket.

Root's heroics in the ongoing series have not just been about personal milestones. They have been crucial in shaping England’s fortunes. England, under Ben Stokes' aggressive leadership, are leading the five-match Test series 2-1 going into the final day of the Oval Test. Chasing a challenging target set by India, Root once again stepped up when it mattered the most. He played a brilliant knock of 105 runs before retiring hurt, taking England close to a famous series win. At stumps on Day 4, England were within touching distance—needing just 35 more runs to seal the win—with four wickets still in hand.

Root’s performance has been vital not just in terms of run-making but also in lifting the morale of the team. His ability to perform under pressure, against a strong Indian bowling attack featuring the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja, shows his experience and class. Whether defending stoically or attacking with controlled aggression, Root continues to set a standard few can match in the modern game.

As the final day of the Test looms, England fans will be hoping that the tail can finish the job Root started. Regardless of the final result, Joe Root’s historic 6000-run milestone in the WTC and his other records this series have further cemented his legacy. He is not just one of England’s greatest cricketers, but also one of the finest to have ever played the game. His hunger for runs and passion for Test cricket continues to inspire a new generation of players and fans alike.