Joe Root Becomes England's Top Test Run-Scorer

Joe Root became England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer, surpassing Sir Alastair Cook’s record of 12,472 runs on day three of the first Test against Pakistan in Multan. Root, 33, reached the milestone when he scored 71, ultimately finishing the day unbeaten on 176—his 35th Test century. His efforts, alongside Harry Brook’s 141 not out, took England to 492-3 reducing Pakistan’s first-innings lead to just 64 runs after they posted 556.

Root expressed pride in his achievement but emphasized his focus on helping England win the match, saying, “I’m obviously proud but there’s plenty more left to do.” Root playing his 147th Test 12 years after his debut has now moved up to fifth on the list of all-time Test run-scorers, trailing only legends Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the top spot with 15,921 runs.

Cook believes Root has the potential to surpass Tendulkar, noting Root’s enduring hunger and drive. “I would be betting on Root to do it,” said Cook, though he acknowledged the challenge of the 2025-26 Ashes series in Australia where Root has yet to score a century. Root’s determination in the heat has put England in a strong position despite conceding over 550 runs.

England aims to extend their lead well into the fourth day, setting themselves up to bowl out Pakistan on a flat pitch. Joe Root stressed the importance of earning the right to decide how to approach the rest of the match, saying, “Things can happen quite quickly towards the back end of the game.” Root’s achievement and his desire to push England toward victory reflect his continued ambition as he reaches new heights in his career.