“Just one more to go now,” said Ricky Ponting, as Joe Root jogged a single that took him past Ponting’s total and made him the second-highest run-scorer in Test history. Joe Root Surpasses Ponting in Test Cricket, reaching a total of 13,409 runs. He now stands behind only the great Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the top spot with 15,921 Test runs. That gap is still big, but Root has come closer than anyone else.
Manchester witnessed a special moment as fans in Old Trafford’s Party Stand stood up to celebrate the achievement. About 6,000 fans cheered when Root hit a shot to deep point off Anshul Kamboj to reach 120 and go past Ponting. The crowd then sang his name to the tune of “Hey Jude,” a moment that brought a shy smile from Root. Joe Root Surpasses Ponting in Test Cricket, and the fans made sure to enjoy every second of it.
Later, when Root was dismissed for 150, the crowd again gave him a standing ovation. As he walked off, Root made a small hand gesture, pretending to play a shot he could have chosen. That one moment showed his constant hunger to improve, even after scoring big. This mindset explains why Joe Root Surpasses Ponting in Test Cricket and continues to raise the bar.
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Root’s Success Comes From Hard Work, Not Chasing Records
Ricky Ponting, now part of the Sky Sports commentary team, was there to witness the moment. He called it “a magnificent moment in history.” Joe Root Surpasses Ponting in Test Cricket, and Ponting didn’t mind losing his position. He didn’t even remember his final run total until a golf company sent him a custom club with “13,378” on it.
Root is similar in that way. He has always said he plays for team success rather than personal records. When he became England’s top run-scorer in Multan, he explained, “If you miss your goals, it feels like failure, and this game already has enough of that.” So it’s no surprise that Joe Root Surpasses Ponting in Test Cricket, even though it was never his main focus.
Alastair Cook, who held the England record before Root, had made it a mission to reach 10,000 runs. But after doing that, he struggled for motivation and retired two years later. Root, who is 34, is already a year older than Cook was then, but still looks hungry to play on. He’s even aiming to be part of the 2027 World Cup, showing he’s far from done. That drive is a big reason Joe Root Surpasses Ponting in Test Cricket and keeps adding to his legacy.
Root’s success also comes from his desire to constantly improve. Since stepping down as England’s Test captain, he has averaged 57.70 in 40 matches and scored 13 centuries. “I just want to keep enjoying cricket and find new ways to grow,” he said recently. It’s that attitude that helps explain how Joe Root Surpasses Ponting in Test Cricket and keeps performing year after year.
After Captaincy, Root Has Reached New Heights
Some players struggle after giving up leadership roles. But for Root, stepping down as captain has made him even stronger. He was already scoring heavily during his last few years in charge, often carrying England’s weak batting line-up. Under Ben Stokes’ captaincy, he has looked even more relaxed and dangerous at the crease.
His latest century in Manchester proved it again. Instead of coming in early at 30 for 2, he entered the game at 197 for 2 and took full advantage. He scored freely against a weak Indian bowling attack, checking off landmarks like items on a list. Joe Root Surpasses Ponting in Test Cricket, and he made it look effortless.
Even though Root says he’s not chasing Tendulkar’s record, he has a realistic shot. He is 2,512 runs behind. But in his last 50 innings since February 2023, he has already scored 2,556 runs. If he continues at that rate and England play 12-14 Tests a year, he could catch Sachin by 2027. That would mean Joe Root Surpasses Ponting in Test Cricket, and then maybe even becomes the highest scorer of all time.
Ollie Pope, his teammate, agrees. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he chases Sachin down,” Pope said. “He loves Test cricket more than anything. Every series, he turns up with the biggest smile on his face.” This love for the game is one reason Joe Root Surpasses Ponting in Test Cricket and keeps moving forward.
One thing that often goes unnoticed is Root’s incredible fitness. Since his debut in 2012, England have played 159 Test matches, and Root has missed only two – once when he was dropped and once for paternity leave. He has never missed a match due to injury, even with occasional back issues. This is another reason why Joe Root Surpasses Ponting in Test Cricket and continues to thrive.
On Friday, Root skipped media interviews due to cramp, but his performance had already said everything. He is already a legend in English cricket, but if he scores a century in Australia this winter, the only place where he hasn’t done it yet, that legendary status will be undeniable. And if that happens, it may no longer be just that Joe Root Surpasses Ponting in Test Cricket, it could soon be that Joe Root Surpasses Tendulkar too.
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