Joe Root Surpasses Cook, Continues England’s Stronghold in Multan Test

Joe Root, England’s celebrated batsman, has become the all-time leading Test run-scorer for England, surpassing Sir Alastair Cook‘s total of 12,472 runs. Root achieved this milestone during the first Test against Pakistan in Multan, reaching the mark with a score of 71. He went on to score an unbeaten 176, guiding England to 492-3 by the end of the third day, trailing Pakistan by 64 runs.

Speaking about his achievement, Joe Root said, “I’m obviously proud, but still feel there’s plenty more left to do.” Root’s remarkable innings, coupled with Harry Brook’s 141 not out, has placed England in a commanding position, despite Pakistan’s substantial first innings score of 556.

Root’s performance has not only set a personal milestone but also bolstered England’s chances in the series opener. “We’ve still got an opportunity to win the game, which is really exciting. Hopefully we can kick on tomorrow,” Root added as he emphasized the team’s prospects.

Playing in his 147th Test match, Root not only exceeded Cook’s record but also climbed to fifth in the overall list of Test run-scorers, joining cricketing legends like Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, Ricky Ponting, and Sachin Tendulkar. Root, now 33 years old, is still behind Tendulkar, who remains the all-time top scorer with 15,921 runs.

Sir Alastair Cook expressed confidence in Root’s potential to surpass Tendulkar’s record. “I would be betting on Root to do it,” Cook commented on Test Match Special. He mentioned Root’s consistent hunger and ability as key factors in his continued pursuit of records.

The upcoming Ashes series in Australia during the winter of 2025-26 has been noted as a possible challenge for Root, who has yet to win a Test match in Australia. Cook, recalling England’s 5-0 defeat during Root’s first Ashes tour, highlighted the unique pressures and hurdles that the series presents.

Despite the daunting task ahead, Root remains focused on creating another memorable victory in Pakistan. Following England’s 3-0 series win in Pakistan two years ago, the team aims to extend their batting to secure a significant lead, hoping to have enough time to bowl out Pakistan again on a pitch described as flat.

Root commented on the strategic play, “We have to earn the right to make a decision about what we want to do,” acknowledging the game’s evolving conditions and the uncertainties that define the concluding phases of Test matches.