How Joe Root and Sir Alastair Cook compare as England Test run record broken

Joe Root has made history by breaking England’s Test run record during a remarkable innings of 176 not out in the first Test against Pakistan. This milestone sees Root surpassing his predecessor and former captain, Sir Alastair Cook.

In his 147th Test, Root’s total runs now stand at an impressive 12,578, which is over 100 runs ahead of Cook’s previous record of 12,472. With an average of 51.34 across 268 innings, Root’s 35 centuries establish a new England record, accompanied by 64 half-centuries for a total of 99 scores over 50. Notably, his highest score of 254 was achieved against Pakistan in 2016, reflecting one of his five double centuries, with the potential for a sixth on the horizon.

Comparatively, Cook played 161 Tests and batted 291 times, achieving an average of 45.35. His 33 centuries and 57 fifties included a best of 294 against India in 2011. Root now leads the way for England in runs, centuries, and scores exceeding 50, yet remains behind Cook in the number of innings played. Notably, both Root and Cook rank as England’s third and fourth most-capped players, following long-serving seam partnership of James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

Root’s ascent to breaking England’s Test run record involved surpassing several legends, including Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, West Indies’ Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and Brian Lara from the West Indies. By overtaking Cook, Root has positioned himself as the fifth highest run-scorer in Test history, with the potential to move up to second place next year.

His performances against the various opponents also highlight Root’s dominance, with the most runs accumulated against India and Australia. Additionally, his influence on match results is evident through his significantly higher averages in victories compared to defeats. Having scored 1,708 runs in 2021, the highest annual tally of his career, Root’s consistency and adaptability have been key to his success.

Noteworthy is Root’s evolution in leadership roles, with fluctuations in his batting average aligned with his tenure as England’s captain. His recent return to form has seen him thrive post-captaincy, showcasing a significant increase in strike rate under the new captaincy of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.

Root’s adaptability in the batting order has also been pivotal, with his settled position at number four yielding an impressive average. His performances at specific venues, such as Lord’s and Galle, highlight his versatility and skill across different conditions.

In summary, Joe Root’s record-breaking feat not only cements his status as one of England’s greatest batsmen but also demonstrates his unwavering resilience and commitment to excellence in Test cricket.