Joe Root of England has climbed to third place on the all-time Test run-scorers list, surpassing Rahul Dravid (13,288 runs) and Jacques Kallis (13,289 runs) during the fourth Rothesay Test against India at Old Trafford. The 34-year-old reached a total of 13,322 runs, now trailing only Ricky Ponting (13,378 runs) and Sachin Tendulkar (15,921 runs).
Joe Root surpassed Rahul Dravid’s run total after scoring 30 runs on the third morning in Manchester, and he edged past Jacques Kallis two balls later. With a total of 13,322 runs in 156 Test matches, an average of 50.80, 37 centuries, and 66 fifties, Root continues to excel. He could overtake Ricky Ponting’s tally of 13,378 runs with just 120 more runs in this innings, although Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 15,921 runs remains a distant target.
Dravid ✅
Kallis ✅
Ponting ✅
All surpassed in one innings! 🤯
Only Sachin Tendulkar remains ahead of Joe Root, the second-highest Test run-scorer of all time ✨ pic.twitter.com/ZV3ZYrP0zF
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 25, 2025Joe Root broke Alastair Cook’s England Test record of 12,472 runs in December 2024 and Eoin Morgan’s ODI record last month. Since his debut in 2012, he has been a key player for England, serving as captain from 2017 to 2022. Fans on X celebrated his achievements, posting: “Joe Root, a true England legend!”
Updated Top Five Test Run-Scorers
| Rank | Player | Runs | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | 15,921 | 200 |
| 2 | Ricky Ponting | 13,378 | 168 |
| 3 | Joe Root | 13,322* | 156 |
| 4 | Jacques Kallis | 13,289 | 166 |
| 5 | Rahul Dravid | 13,288 | 164 |
* Data source: ESPNcricinfo.
Root’s climb cements his status as a modern great. His consistency across formats and leadership legacy strengthen England’s cricketing heritage. The Old Trafford milestone, amid a competitive India series, underscores his pivotal role.
Root’s ascent inspires young cricketers, with his records setting new benchmarks. England’s ongoing Test series, part of the World Test Championship, gains added focus with his performance.
Joe Root’s rise to third among Test run-scorers marks a historic moment. As he nears Ponting, his legacy as England’s finest batter grows stronger.
