England's Joe Root has etched his name further into cricket's record books, surpassing Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya to claim ninth position on the list of all-time highest run-scorers in international cricket. This achievement came during the first Test match against India at Headingley, marking another milestone in Root's already illustrious career.
Root's journey to this landmark has been characterized by consistent performance across all formats of the game. A right-handed batsman known for his composure, technical brilliance, and ability to score big runs, Root has been a mainstay of the England batting lineup for over a decade. He has served as captain of the Test team and is currently ranked among the top batsmen in the world.
The Yorkshireman's international career began in 2012, and he quickly established himself as a key player for England. In Test cricket, he holds the distinction of being England's highest run-scorer. As of June 2025, Root has played 153 Test matches, amassing over 13,000 runs with an impressive average of over 50. His Test record includes 36 centuries and 65 half-centuries, with a highest score of 262. Root's remarkable consistency has seen him accumulate runs against all major Test-playing nations, with a particular fondness for scoring against India, against whom he has ten centuries.
In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Root has also been a prolific run-scorer. He has represented England in 180 ODI matches, scoring over 7,126 runs at an average of 49. His ODI career includes 18 centuries, the most by an English player. Root was also a crucial member of the England team that won the 2019 Cricket World Cup, where he was the team's leading run-scorer.
While Root's appearances in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) have been limited, he has still made valuable contributions to the team. In 32 T20I matches, he has scored 893 runs. Although he is yet to score a century in the format, his highest score of 90 demonstrates his ability to adapt to the demands of the shortest format of the game.
Root's achievement in surpassing Jayasuriya is a testament to his dedication, skill, and longevity in international cricket. Sanath Jayasuriya, a dynamic left-handed batsman and former Sri Lanka captain, is renowned for his aggressive style of play and his ability to dominate attacks. To move ahead of such a celebrated player is a significant accomplishment. As of June 2025, Root has accumulated 21,053 runs in 366 international matches, with 54 centuries and 112 half-centuries.
Root's recent form has been excellent, and he continues to be a vital cog in the England batting lineup. His ability to score runs consistently, combined with his leadership qualities and tactical awareness, makes him an invaluable asset to the team. As he continues his career, Root has the potential to break further records and solidify his place among the true legends of the game. He currently holds the first position in the ICC Test batting rankings.
Root's journey from a young cricketer to one of the world's leading batsmen is a story of hard work, dedication, and a passion for the game. His achievements have not only brought him personal success but have also contributed significantly to the success of the England cricket team. As he continues to represent his country with pride and distinction, Joe Root remains an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and a source of immense pride for English cricket fans.
