In a remarkable feat during the first Test between England and New Zealand in Christchurch, Joe Root eclipsed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar for the most runs scored in the fourth innings of Test cricket. Root’s achievement added another significant milestone to his illustrious career, cementing his place among the all-time greats of the game.
Joe Root Breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s Record
Joe Root’s unbeaten knock of 23 runs in the fourth innings of the Test helped England secure an eight-wicket victory over New Zealand, clinching the series opener. With this, Root surpassed Tendulkar’s tally of 1,625 runs in the fourth innings, now holding the record with 1,630 runs. Notably, Root achieved this milestone in just 49 appearances in the fourth innings, while Tendulkar required 60 innings to reach his mark.
This feat is even more remarkable considering Root’s consistency and the speed at which he has accumulated runs. Root’s ability to perform under pressure, especially in the fourth innings, demonstrates his immense skill and temperament, earning him a special place in cricket history.
Top Five Run Scorers in Fourth Innings of Test Cricket
Root’s achievement placed him at the top of an exclusive list of Test batsmen who have excelled in the fourth innings. The top five players, based on their fourth-innings runs, are:
- Joe Root – 1,630 runs in 49 innings
- Sachin Tendulkar – 1,625 runs in 60 innings
- Alastair Cook – 1,611 runs in 53 innings
- Graeme Smith – 1,611 runs in 41 innings
- Shivnarine Chanderpaul – 1,580 runs in 49 innings
Root’s achievement in surpassing these greats underlines his status as one of the modern-day greats in Test cricket.
Root’s Remarkable 150th Test Milestone
Adding another feather to his cap, Joe Root achieved this record in his 150th Test match. To mark the occasion, he also crossed the 12,000-run mark in Test cricket, with 12,777 runs to his name. This places Root firmly in the top five for most runs in Test cricket, trailing only the likes of Sachin Tendulkar (15,921), Ricky Ponting (13,378), Jacques Kallis (13,289), and Rahul Dravid (13,288).
While Root’s batting brilliance is evident, the match was also marked by a less-than-ideal moment when he was dismissed for a duck in the first innings, joining the company of Australian legends Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh, who both also recorded ducks in their 150th Test.
England’s Dominant Victory Over New Zealand
England’s triumph in the first Test was characterized by solid performances from their batsmen. New Zealand, batting first, managed 348 runs, with captain Kane Williamson scoring a defiant 93. In response, England posted a commanding 499, driven by Harry Brook’s magnificent 171, Ollie Pope’s 77, and Ben Stokes’ crucial 80.
In New Zealand’s second innings, they were bowled out for 254, leaving England with a modest target of 104 runs to win. Jacob Bethell’s aggressive 50 off just 37 balls guided England to a comfortable victory in only 12.4 overs, with Root’s composed 23 not out sealing the win.
Conclusion
Joe Root’s record-breaking achievement in surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s tally for most runs in the fourth innings highlights his outstanding consistency and ability to perform under pressure in Test cricket. With 12,777 runs and counting, Root’s legacy continues to grow, positioning him as one of the greatest to ever play the game. As England head into the second Test with confidence, Root’s record will be a source of inspiration for the team and cricket fans around the world.
