The cricket world witnessed history being made as former England captain Joe Root delivered a stunning performance against India in the highly anticipated first Test match in Hyderabad. After a hiatus of six months from Test cricket, Root returned to the pitch showing no signs of rust. The right-handed batsman is widely regarded as England’s premier batter, and he lived up to that expectation by eclipsing a major record previously held by Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar during the series opener.
With an impressive tally of 2526 runs amassed against the Men in Blue, Root needed only 10 runs to surpass Tendulkar’s record of 2535 runs in the longest format of the game against England. In the first session’s play, the Englishman achieved this feat but was dismissed for a score of 29 in the second session. This has taken Joe Root’s run haul to 2555 in Tests between these two formidable sides.
Currently, the most runs scored in IND vs ENG Test encounters are as follows:
– Joe Root: 2555 runs
– Sachin Tendulkar: 2535 runs
– Sunil Gavaskar: 2483 runs
– Alastair Cook: 2431 runs
– Virat Kohli: 1991 runs
On Day 1 of the match, Joe Root didn’t just break Tendulkar’s record. His excellent run also saw him equal the achievement of former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who had notched up 2555 runs against India in the space of 51 innings. Root, with the same number of runs but in only 47 innings, showcased his proficiency and potency in playing against Indian bowlers. As Root eyes his second innings, he stands a chance to become the sole record-holder of having the most runs against India in Test cricket.
The momentous day unfolded with both teams fielding competitive line-ups. The Indian squad, led by Rohit Sharma, featured promising talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul alongside seasoned players such as Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah. On the other side, England, captained by Ben Stokes, fielded a strong side including Zak Crawley, Jonny Bairstow, and the spin duo of Rehan Ahmed and Jack Leach, with Root poised as their batting mainstay.
As the first Test between these cricketing behemoths progresses, it’s crucial to reflect on what Joe Root’s milestone means for the sport. His record-breaking achievement not only cements his place among cricket’s all-time greats but also highlights the enduring nature of Test cricket. It’s where legends are forged, and records, like Root’s latest conquest, serve to inspire the current and upcoming generations of cricketers.
The record is a testament to Root’s consistency and dominance in the longest format, especially when facing a cricketing powerhouse like India. It speaks volumes about his technical prowess, mental resilience, and the adaptability that has allowed him to excel across different playing conditions.
Joe Root, at 32 years of age, shows no sign of slowing down. Already having an illustrious career, he continues to set the bar higher for his contemporaries. As Play continues in Hyderabad, cricket fans around the world will watch intently as Root takes to the crease again. Will he solidify his record-breaking legacy further? As the Test unfolds, Root will undoubtedly be the player to watch.
