Joe Root Achieves Historic 6,000 Runs in WTC

England’s celebrated batter Joe Root has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the first player to surpass 6,000 runs in the World Test Championship (WTC). This remarkable achievement unfolded during the fourth day of the fifth Test against India at Kennington Oval. Root’s masterful performance, characterized by his impeccable technique and elegant drives, captivated the audience under London’s overcast skies. Despite the absence of India’s formidable bowler Jasprit Bumrah, Root remained composed and relentless in England’s pursuit of a challenging 374-run target.

Root’s Consistent Performance in WTC

Root’s journey to this milestone was marked by consistent excellence. In his 69th Test appearance within the WTC framework, he not only crossed the 6,000-run mark but also solidified his position as the top run-scorer. With an impressive tally of 20 centuries and 23 fifties, Root leads the charts ahead of notable players like Steve Smith (4,278 runs), Marnus Labuschagne (4,225 runs), Ben Stokes (3,616 runs), and Travis Head (3,300 runs).

Celebrating a Landmark Moment

The 34-year-old reached his half-century by deftly pushing the ball towards deep backward square leg for a single. He marked this significant moment with a modest raise of his bat towards the England dressing room. Root continued to accumulate runs, equaling former South African cricketer Herbie Taylor’s record for most 50-plus scores against a single opponent in home Tests. Root boasts an impressive 16 fifty-plus scores against India, matching Taylor’s record against England. Australia’s legendary Don Bradman holds the top spot with 17 such scores against England.

Chasing Legendary Records

Throughout the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, Root has been on a record-breaking spree. He is inching closer to surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s monumental tally of 15,921 runs in Test cricket. Root has already moved past cricketing legends Ricky Ponting and Rahul Dravid to secure the second spot on this prestigious list.

Root’s Century Milestones

In addition to his run-scoring feats, Root has tied with Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara for the fourth-most centuries in Test cricket, each boasting 38 tons. He stands behind Ricky Ponting (41 centuries), Jacques Kallis (45 centuries), and Sachin Tendulkar (51 centuries) in this elite group.