Joe Root Surpasses Ricky Ponting to Become 2nd-Highest Run Scorer in Test Cricket

Joe Root has climbed another rung on cricket’s most prestigious ladder. With a tally of 13,377 Test runs, the England star has overtaken Australian legend Ricky Ponting’s 13,378 and now stands second only to Sachin Tendulkar. Root’s consistency and elegance at the crease have defined his career, and this milestone cements his legacy as one of the finest batsmen the game has ever seen.

How Joe Root Climbed the All-Time Test Runs Ladder

Joe Root’s rise to the very top of Test cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. Making his debut against India in 2012, Root quickly showed he had the technique and temperament for the longest format of the game. Unlike many modern players who prioritize shorter formats, Root remained committed to the grind of Test cricket, building his reputation innings by innings.

From his early half-centuries on tricky subcontinent pitches to his iconic double centuries against Australia and New Zealand, Root’s consistency has been his biggest weapon. He became England’s cornerstone during their transitions in leadership, often carrying the batting lineup on his shoulders.

Over the years, Root compiled 38 centuries and 66 fifties, rarely going long stretches without major contributions. His elegant stroke play and ability to adapt to any condition — from the spinning tracks of Asia to the seaming pitches of England — set him apart. This relentless accumulation of runs has now pushed him past Ricky Ponting, placing him in rare company, just behind Sachin Tendulkar on the all-time Test runs list.

Can Root Break Sachin Tendulkar’s Record?

At just 34 years old, Joe Root is already second on the all-time Test runs list — and the question on every cricket fan’s mind is whether he can overtake Sachin Tendulkar’s monumental 15,921 runs.

Root has 13,377 runs to his name, meaning he needs just over 2,500 more runs to surpass Tendulkar. Considering that he still averages above 50 in Tests and remains England’s most reliable batter, the milestone is not only realistic but highly likely if he stays fit.

Most top batters see a gradual decline in their late 30s, but Root’s elegant technique and low-risk style suggest he could maintain form for another 4–5 years. England’s packed Test calendar — including multiple Ashes series and overseas tours — gives him plenty of innings to close the gap.

If Root continues scoring at his current pace, he could move past Tendulkar by 2027 or 2028, becoming the all-time leading Test run scorer. It’s a huge mountain to climb, but at 34, time and talent are still on his side.

Key Milestones in Root’s Career

Joe Root’s path to becoming one of cricket’s most prolific run scorers has been paved with defining moments and unforgettable innings. He announced himself to the cricketing world in 2012 with a composed debut against India in Nagpur, where he scored a steady 73 that immediately showcased his ability to handle pressure.

From there, Root’s career became a series of milestones. His maiden Test century came in 2013 at Lord’s against New Zealand, a moment that marked the start of a decade-long dominance with the bat. He went on to play some of his best cricket in the fiercest rivalry of all — the Ashes. His double century at Lord’s in 2015 and countless gritty innings in Australia proved his worth as a true Test match specialist.

Root didn’t just shine at home. He scored centuries in challenging conditions, from Sri Lanka’s spinning pitches to the fast tracks of South Africa and the Caribbean. His ability to adapt became his trademark. Notably, in 2021, he had one of the greatest years in Test history, piling up 1,708 runs — a record-breaking total for an English batter in a single year, and the third-highest ever in the history of the game.

These milestones, along with 38 centuries and 66 half-centuries, weren’t just personal achievements. They were match-turning innings that often carried England on his shoulders, cementing his place in cricket’s elite.

Where Root Stands Among the Greats?

With Ricky Ponting now behind him on the all-time run list, Joe Root has entered a rarefied space in cricket history. Only Sachin Tendulkar — with his untouchable 15,921 Test runs — sits ahead of him. That alone puts Root in the conversation with the game’s biggest legends.

Root’s numbers compare favorably with the likes of Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, Brian Lara, and Allan Border — names that define the golden standard of Test batting. What makes Root’s achievement even more remarkable is that he has done it in an era where Test cricket often takes a back seat to T20 leagues and shorter formats.

While Ponting dominated the early 2000s with aggressive stroke play and Tendulkar reigned for decades with unmatched consistency, Root has forged his own path — built on elegant technique, composure, and relentless scoring across the globe.

By surpassing Ponting, Root isn’t just second on a list. He has proven he belongs in the same breath as the greatest batters of all time.