England batting legend Joe Root etched his name deeper into the history books after becoming just the second batter in Test cricket history to score 14,000
runs in the longest format of the game.
The landmark was achieved on June 20, 2026, during the second Test between England and New Zealand at The Oval. Leading the side as stand-in captain, Root required only two runs at the start of England's second innings and reached the milestone with a single off New Zealand pacer Matt Henry in the seventh over.
With the achievement, Root joined legendary India batter Sachin Tendulkar as the only players to cross the 14,000-run mark in Test cricket. Notably, the cricketing world had waited 16 years for another batter to reach the milestone after Tendulkar became the first player to do so during a Test match against Australia in Bengaluru in 2010.
While Tendulkar reached the landmark in his 279th Test innings, Root took 302 innings to get there. However, the England batter achieved the feat in his 165th Test appearance, continuing his remarkable consistency in the format over the last decade.
Root's journey to 14,000 Test runs has been built on longevity, adaptability, and an insatiable appetite for runs. Since making his Test debut against India in 2012, the right-hander has established himself as one of the finest batters of his generation and a modern-day great of red-ball cricket.
The Yorkshire batter has amassed his runs at an impressive average of over 50, while also registering 41 centuries and 66 half-centuries in Test cricket. His ability to deliver across different conditions and against varied opposition has played a crucial role in England's success over the years.
New Zealand near famous victory
Meanwhile, the BlackCaps are on the verge of a famous victory at The Oval against the hosts. On what could be a fascinating day of Test cricket, the hosts need 281 runs to clinch the victory, whereas New Zealand need to pick up five wickets on the final day of the riveting encounter.
