Top 6 highest scores by Joe Root in test cricket

Joe Root made his test debut in December 2012 in India.

Former England captain Joe Root has established himself as England’s greatest test batsman and arguably the best of his generation.

Since making his test debut in 2012 against India at the age of 21, Root was quick to showcase his talent with a solid fifty in his maiden test knock. Soon he became an integral part of the English batting lineup.

Known for his elegant stroke play against both pacers and spinners, Root has become England’s leading run-scorer and century-maker in test cricket, surpassing Sir Alastair Cook.

Root’s capability to play long innings has been crucial for England in home and away conditions alike. In this article, we take a closer look at his top six highest test scores.

Top five highest scores by Joe Root in test cricket:

6. 200* vs Sri Lanka, Lord’s, 2014

In the first test of the 2014 series against Sri Lanka at Lord’s, Joe Root exhibited his brilliance with the bat by posting a magnificent double century. Scoring an unbeaten 200 off 298 balls, Root anchored the innings, ensuring England posted a formidable first-innings score.

His innings included 16 boundaries, demonstrating his ability to score runs fluently. Root’s double hundred was a vital contribution that helped England post a big total of 575 runs.

Sri Lankan resistance late on the fifth day resulted in a drawn test match. Sri Lanka went on to create history in the second test, winning the series 1-0. While it was a disappointing series for England, Root’s double century was a trailer to what was to come in upcoming years.

5. 218 vs India, Chennai, 2021

During England’s tour of India in 2021, Root delivered a masterclass of batting against spinners in Chennai. His 218 runs came off 377 balls, consisting of 19 fours and two sixes. Root’s innings was the key, allowing England to gain a massive 241-run lead in the first innings. Root’s innings displayed his ability to play spin as he countered the formidable Indian spin attack.

His partnerships with the middle and lower-middle orders bolstered England’s score, as he put on a masterclass in concentration and stroke play. This innings played a key role in England’s eventual victory by 227 runs, helping them take a lead in the series.

4. 226 vs New Zealand, Hamilton, 2019

On a batting paradise against New Zealand in Hamilton, Joe Root’s 226 was instrumental in putting England in a commanding position. Coming in under pressure, when England were at 24/2 in reply to New Zealand’s 375, Root displayed exceptional temperament and technique, facing 441 balls and hitting 22 boundaries for his double ton.

Root’s ability to build long partnerships and rotate the strike proved crucial as he built a 180-run partnership with Rory Burns. The match ultimately ended in a draw, but Root’s innings was a standout performance, earning him the Player of the Match award.

3. 228 vs Sri Lanka, Galle, 2021

Another remarkable Joe Root performance came in Galle, where he scored a massive 228 off 321 balls against Sri Lanka. His innings was marked with 18 fours and a six. Root’s proficiency against the Sri Lankan bowling attack was clear as he dominated the spinners relentlessly using his excellent footwork.

Root’s innings helped England finish with 421 in their first innings, giving them a massive 286-run lead. His ability to convert starts into big scores was on full display, as he anchored the innings and continued to build partnerships with the lower middle order.

England eventually won the game by seven wickets and Root was named the Player of the Match.

2. 254 vs Pakistan, Manchester, 2016

Joe Root’s second-highest test score of 254 came against Pakistan in Manchester in 2016. This innings came during a time when England needed stability in their batting lineup after losing the first test of the series. Root faced 406 deliveries, striking 27 boundaries, and was the anchor for England as they declared their first innings at 589 runs.

Root’s knock laid the foundation for England’s dominance in the match, ultimately leading to a comprehensive victory by 330 runs. Root was awarded Player of the Match for his 254 and 71* in the first and second innings respectively.

1. 262 vs Pakistan, Multan, 2024

Joe Root smashed his highest-ever test score (262) against Pakistan in Multan test in 2024. After Pakistan batted first and scored 556 in the first innings, England replied back with even a bigger total on a flat Multan road. Root and Harry Brook both notched up their respective double hundreds in the game.

(All stats updated till 10th October 2024)

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