England's best batter and former captain, Joe Root etched his name into the annals of cricket history by surpassing Australian great Ricky Ponting as the top run-scorer against India in Test matches. Root's impressive tally of 2,557* runs in England-India Test matches has now eclipsed the previous record held by Sachin Tendulkar, who had amassed 2535 runs. Ponting scored 2,555 runs against India in Tests. Root now has scored two more runs than Ponting is slated to add to his tally in the ongoing series.
This historic moment unfolded during the second innings of the first Test in Hyderabad, with Root adding 2 runs off six balls to his run total. This accomplishment is a testament to his consistent high-level performance in matches against India, where he has maintained an extraordinary average of 62.31. This includes 9 centuries and 10 half-centuries across 26 Tests, underscoring his prowess against one of cricket's strongest teams.
Root's mastery is particularly evident in matches played on Indian soil, where he has an impressive average of 49.05 across 21 innings. His success in India, known for its spin-friendly pitches, speaks volumes about his adaptability and technical skill. One of the hallmarks of his batting against spin in India is his effective use of the sweep shot, from which he has scored 31.4 percent of his runs.
Aside from this record, Root is also on the verge of achieving another significant milestone. He is poised to become only the fifth visiting Test batsman to score over 1,000 runs in India. This achievement would further cement his status as an elite batter capable of thriving in diverse conditions.
At 33, Root's career continues to flourish. He has already scored 11,447 runs in Test cricket at an average of 49.99, including 30 centuries, showcasing his remarkable consistency and skill at the highest level of the game. His achievements place him among the most elite cricketers of his generation, and his ongoing contributions to the sport keep his fans and cricket enthusiasts captivated.
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