He is only the fifth player in cricket history to reach the mark, joining Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, and Rahul Dravid.
Root began the match on 12,972 Test runs and needed just 28 more to reach the landmark. He crossed the milestone with trademark composure, underlining the consistency and technical prowess that have defined his career in the longest format.
He is now the fastest player, in terms of matches, to reach 13,000 Test runs—doing so in his 153rd match. In terms of innings, Root reached the mark in his 279th innings, the fifth quickest in history.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by ICC (@icc)
Tendulkar remains the fastest in innings, having achieved the milestone in 266.
The achievement marks a significant moment for England cricket, which had never before seen a batter cross the 13,000-run threshold in Tests.
Root’s milestone is a testament to his longevity, form, and adaptability in a period of constant evolution for England’s Test side.
With this record secured, Root now turns his attention to other longstanding milestones.
Tendulkar’s all-time record of 15,921 Test runs is the next major figure in sight. Root also has 36 centuries and will look to close the gap on Tendulkar’s 68 fifties and 51 hundreds.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by We Are England Cricket (@englandcricket)
England are scheduled to play at least eight more Tests in 2025, offering Root more chances to further close the gap on the Indian legend. His form and fitness suggest that more records may fall in the coming months.
Root’s achievement places him among cricket’s elite run-scorers and strengthens his legacy as one of the modern era’s most reliable Test batters.
As he continues his pursuit of greatness, the global cricketing community will be watching closely.