Joe Root becomes fifth batter to cross 13,000 runs in test cricket

Joe Root is the first England player to reach the milestone in test cricket.

England player Joe Root has achieved a marvellous milestone in test cricket. He has reached 13,000 runs in test cricket. The former England skipper reached the milestone during Day 1 of the test between England and Zimbabwe on Thursday, May 22.

England and Zimbabwe are locking horns in a four-day test match at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bowl first in the match. Root got out for 34 runs in the first innings.

However, it was enough to register his name among players who have scored more than 13000 runs in the longest format of the game. Root reached the milestone in his 279th innings. Notably, he is the first England player to cross 13,000 runs in tests.

Joe Root becomes fifth batsman to reach 13,000 runs in test

Overall, Root is the fifth batter to reach the landmark of 13,000 runs in test cricket. Former Indian batting legends Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, and former South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis are the other four players to reach the milestone of 13,000 runs in the longest format.

Tendulkar, with 15921 runs, is the highest-ever run scorer in the longest format. Although Root is far away from Tendulkar’s tally, he has come close to the other three batters.

Batsmen with 13,000+ runs in test cricket:

1. Sachin Tendulkar – 15,921 runs
2. Ricky Ponting – 13,338 runs
3. Jacques Kallis – 13,289 runs
4. Rahul Dravid – 13,288 runs
5. Joe Root – 13,006 runs

Root made his test debut for England in the longest format in 2012 and has played 153 tests for the side so far. He has scored the runs at a stunning average of 50.80 with 36 centuries and 65 half-centuries. He also accounts for six double centuries in tests with a top knock of 262 runs.

Meanwhile, England have grabbed a powerful position in the test match against Zimbabwe. At the stumps of Day 1, the home team piled up 498/3 on the scoreboard. Opener Zak Crawley (124) and Ben Duckett (140) slammed centuries. Ollie Pope also slammed a century and is at the crease unbeaten at 169 runs.

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