England’s Joe Root etched his name in cricket history by surpassing South Africa’s Jacques Kallis to become the fastest batter to reach 13,000 Test runs, achieving the milestone in his 153rd match during a one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge.
Despite scoring only 34 runs before falling to Blessing Muzarabani, Root moved closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 15,921 Test runs, now trailing by 2,916.
Three centurions in one day and a record dating back to Bradman eclipsed 👀
Breaking down a historic day for England: https://t.co/aDSwmB5Mm5 pic.twitter.com/co5vJPFVp5
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) May 23, 2025Root’s Record-Breaking Moment
Entering the match 28 runs short of 13,000, Root sprinted for a single off Victor Nyauchi in the 80th over of England’s first innings, overtaking Kallis, who reached the mark in 159 matches. The 34-year-old, in his 153rd Test, became the fifth batter to cross 13,000 Test runs, joining Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Kallis, and Rahul Dravid. Zimbabwe’s short-ball strategy ended Root’s innings, as Muzarabani induced a mistimed pull shot caught by Sean Williams, leaving Root to reflect on missed opportunities.
13,000 Test runs. Fastest ever to do it.
Joe Root continues to rewrite the record books at Trent Bridge. #ENGvZIM #BBCCricket pic.twitter.com/UevflHOwLU
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) May 22, 2025England’s Dominant Batting Display
England’s top order, embracing their aggressive “Bazball” style, overwhelmed Zimbabwe’s bowlers after the tourists opted to bowl on a dry Trent Bridge pitch. Openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley forged a 231-run stand, England’s highest at home since 1960. Duckett scored a run-a-ball 100, his fifth Test century, while Crawley notched his first hundred since July 2023, ending a 28-innings drought. Ollie Pope, unbeaten on 169 off 163 balls, added a third century in as many Trent Bridge Tests, guiding England to a commanding 498/3 by stumps—their highest opening-day total in England.
Joe Root becomes the fifth player in Test history to complete 13,000 runs 🏴🔥🤍
Can he break Sachin Tendulkar's all-time record? 🤔#England #JoeRoot #Tests #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/WOFdFhb8x7
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) May 23, 2025Zimbabwe, buoyed by a recent Test win over Bangladesh, struggled against England’s relentless batting under Nottingham’s cloudy skies. Wesley Madhevere dismissed Duckett, but Pope’s onslaught ensured England’s dominance. The match, Zimbabwe’s first Test in England since 2003, highlighted the team gap, with England’s top order capitalising on loose deliveries. Root’s milestone, though overshadowed by the team’s performance, underscored his consistency, averaging 50.14 in Tests.
Root’s 13,000-run milestone positions him as a serious contender to challenge Tendulkar’s record. With 2,916 runs to go, the former England captain, still in his prime at 34, could close the gap in the coming years, especially with England’s packed Test schedule. His ability to anchor innings while adapting to Bazball’s aggression makes him a pivotal figure in England’s cricketing resurgence.
