Joe Root achieves historic feat, goes past Ricky Ponting to become leading run-scorer against India in Tests

England batsman Joe Root is known to be one of the finest Test batsmen in the modern-day era. Root, who belongs to Yorkshire, is a technically sound batsman, and also known for scoring runs in many parts of the world. Root has also performed well on Asian pitches, where, overseas batsmen usually struggle to play against spin.

Joe Root made his Test debut against India in 2012 and showcased some great shots in the challenging Indian conditions. Root is now the highest run-scorer against India in the Test format after he was dismissed for 2 runs in the second innings of the first IND vs ENG Test match being played in Hyderabad. Root went passed former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, and now has 2557 runs against the two-time World Test Championship finalists.

Before Root, Ricky Ponting led the list with 2555 runs in 51 innings whereas, former England captain Alastair Cook is in the 3rd spot with 2431 runs in 54 Test innings. Root achieved the feat in his 47th Test innings against India at an average of 60.88.

Joe Root also scored a double hundred in the first Test match of the 2020-21 tour of India and helped England win the opening match of the series by 227 runs. However, England were not able to continue the momentum further in the series and lost the last three matches and the series by 3-1.

Joe Root becomes the leading run-scorer against India in Tests

Joe Root is now the leading run-scorer against India in Tests 🔝 #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/wBQwI6noDF

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 27, 2024

India finished their first innings at 436 runs when Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja missed out on a century and was dismissed for 86 runs. Jadeja added 78 runs from 174 balls for the eighth wicket along with Axar Patel, who also played an innings of 44 runs from 94 balls.

India grabbed a lead of 189 runs in the first innings and once again had the chance to put England on the back foot. Apart from becoming the leading Test run-scorer against India, Joe Root shined with the ball as well and picked up 4 wickets in the first wickets in the first innings. Rehan Ahmed and Tom Hartley ended up with 2 wickets each whereas, Jack Leach picked up 1 wicket.

While batting in the second innings, England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett once again provided England a decent start and both of them added 45 runs for the first wicket. Crawley was dismissed for 31 runs from 33 balls by Ravichandran Ashwin, however, Duckett continued his attack and added 68 runs from 57 balls for the second wicket.

While Ben Duckett’s off stump went to cartwheel against Jasprit Bumrah for 47 runs, Joe Root as well was trapped in front by the ace Indian pacer. Jonny Bairstow was also not able to do much and he was removed by Ravindra Jadeja for 10 runs.

England were 154/4 after the end of 34 overs, with Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes at the crease on 56 and 3 runs respectively. England currently trail by 35 runs against India and will hope to give India a strong target and put themselves back in the match.

Previously England were wrapped up for 246 runs in their first innings with Ben Stokes the highest run scorer with 70 runs.