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Joe Root has cemented his place in cricketing history by surpassing Sir Alastair Cook to become England’s all-time leading Test run scorer. During the first Test match against Pakistan, held in October, Root eclipsed Cook’s long-standing record of 12,472 runs, a milestone that had been in place since 2018.
Root, 33, achieved the remarkable feat during the morning session of the third day, reaching 71 runs off 107 balls. His steady, composed innings not only put him in the record books but also highlighted his enduring quality and commitment to England’s Test side.
The Yorkshireman’s achievement marks the second time this year that he has overtaken one of Cook’s major Test records. In a previous series against Sri Lanka, Root surpassed Cook’s record for most Test centuries by an English batter, registering his 34th hundred. Reflecting on that milestone, Root said, “It was nice. It was a pretty special feeling.”
After becoming England’s all-time leading run scorer, Root expressed both humility and pride. He shared a personal moment with his father as he walked off the field, remarking, “I am very proud, and it was nice to share a moment with my dad. That was really quite special. These are things in a few years’ time when I am a washed-up old veteran, I might look back and enjoy. But right now, I feel like I’ve still got a lot of cricket left to play.”
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The achievement drew widespread admiration across the cricketing world. Former teammate Sir Alastair Cook, who previously held the record for six years, heaped praise on Root during an interview with Test Match Special. Cook, England’s captain when Root first entered the Test arena, said, “He is quite simply England’s greatest. It is absolutely right that he has this record to himself. Take it in, Joe, we are watching you and you are a genius.”
Root’s career has been nothing short of exceptional. He made his Test debut for England in 2012 and quickly established himself as one of the finest batsmen of his generation. Renowned for his technique, adaptability, and ability to handle pressure, Root has been a central figure in the England team, leading them as captain from 2017 to 2022. Even after stepping down from the captaincy, his run-scoring prowess continued to define his game.
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