England’s batting maestro Joe Root has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first player to score 6,000 runs in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). The 34-year-old achieved this milestone during the fifth Test against India, playing in his 69th WTC match. Root has featured in all four editions of the championship, cementing his status as one of Test cricket’s modern greats.
Adding to his landmark achievement, Root also struck his 39th Test century in the same match, surpassing Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara to claim fourth place on the all-time list of most Test hundreds. His consistent brilliance has made him not just the highest run-scorer in WTC history but also the second-highest in overall Test runs, trailing only the iconic Sachin Tendulkar.
With 13,543 runs in 158 Tests at an impressive average of 57.49, Root has amassed 39 centuries and 66 half-centuries in his illustrious career. Tendulkar, the all-time leader, scored 15,921 runs in 200 Tests at an average of 53.78. Among current players, only Australia’s Steve Smith comes close, with 10,477 Test runs to his name.
Root’s latest feat further solidifies his legacy as one of England’s greatest batters. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver in crucial moments continues to set him apart in the longest format of the game. As the WTC progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how much higher Root can raise the bar.
