Joe Root in October 2023, after his improved statistics made him one of the best Test batters in history. The Yorkshire right-hander, who has been a player of remarkable consistency, adaptability, and ability to score heavily in varying conditions since making his England debut in 2012. Root played 14,216 Test runs until September 2026 and is second behind only Sachin Tendulkar in the all-time Test run-scoring list.
The gentleman has 40+ Test centuries, a few double hundreds, and a high score of 262. Root was only the second batter in Test history to make it 14,000 runs, as he joined Tendulkar in an elite statistical club in June 2026.
Joe Root Test Runs – Career Overview
| Statistic | Joe Root Test Record |
| Player | Joe Root |
| Team | England |
| Test Debut | 2012 |
| Test Matches | 169 |
| Test Innings | 308* |
| Test Runs | 14,216 |
| Batting Average | 50.23 |
| Highest Score | 262 |
| 100s | 41 |
| 50s | 68 |
| 200s | 6 |
| Not Outs | 25 |
| Fours | 1,528 |
| Sixes | 46 |
| Strike Rate | 57.52 |
*The published career figures list 308 innings and 14,216 runs; Root’s latest Test appearance against Pakistan began after those figures were recorded.
Joe Root 14,000 Test Runs
Joe Root scored his 14,000th Test run on 20 June 2026, in the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval. He joined Sachin Tendulkar as the second player to surpass the milestone.
Root scored 14,000 in his 302nd Test innings and Tendulkar achieved the milestone in 279 innings. The milestone came on the fourth day of England’s chase of 463, with Root not out at 75.
It cemented Root’s place among the greatest Test run-scorers. Longevity has not been his sole strength, however, and he has over 14,000 runs at an average above 50.
Joe Root Test Runs by Year
Root has had a number of superb run-scoring seasons throughout his career. His greatest calendar year was 2021, when he amassed over 1700 Test runs, though he returned another fabulous 1556 runs in 2024. ICC statistics at the time had said that 2024 was his second-best annual Test run tally.
| Year | Test Runs | Notable Achievement |
| 2012 | 93 | Test debut |
| 2013 | 577 | Established himself in England’s side |
| 2014 | 1,054 | First 1,000-run year |
| 2015 | 385 | Strong Ashes contribution |
| 2016 | 1,470 | Major run-scoring season |
| 2017 | 1,494 | Continued as England’s leading batter |
| 2018 | 948 | Strong performances at home and away |
| 2019 | 821 | Ashes campaign |
| 2020 | 806 | Important performances despite limited cricket |
| 2021 | 1,708 | Career-best calendar year |
| 2022 | 1,098 | Passed 10,000 Test runs |
| 2023 | 787 | Continued at the top level |
| 2024 | 1,556 | Five centuries and major milestones |
| 2025 | — | Reached 40th Test century |
| 2026* | — | Passed 14,000 Test runs |
Figures are approximate for a career overview as annual totals differ based on the latest completed match.
Joe Root Test Centuries
Converting starts into significant scores has been the hallmark of Root’s career. He has hit 41 Test centuries, six of them doubles. His top score in Tests is 262 (against Pakistan in Multan, 2024).
| Record | Figure |
| Test Centuries | 41 |
| Test Half-Centuries | 68 |
| Double Centuries | 6 |
| Highest Score | 262 |
| 50+ Scores | 109 |
| Career Average | 50.23 |
The season for him that transpired in 2024 was his best season of all. In 17 Tests, Root amassed a whopping 1,556 runs at an average of 55.57 with six tons. His 262 against Pakistan was a career best and helped England amass a mammoth total in tandem with Harry Brook’s 317.
Joe Root Highest Test Score
Joe Root registered his highest Test score of 262 runs in Pakistan at Multan, October 2024. The innings was a standout showing in a year where Root returned to the summit of international Test batsmen.
That 262 was also Root’s sixth Test double hundred. He has been able to build extraordinarily long innings which have, for the most part of his career, coincided with a desperate need from England for someone to grind away and see off difficult phases.
Joe Root Test Runs by Country
While he has scored heavily in numerous countries, it could be said his record is not universal. His showings in England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and India showcase his ability to adapt on different pitches for contrasting bowling attacks.
| Country | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Highest |
| England | 90 | 157 | 7,602 | 53.54 | 254 |
| Australia | 19 | 37 | 1,292 | 38.00 | 160 |
| India | 15 | 30 | 1,272 | 45.43 | 218 |
| New Zealand | 12 | 22 | 1,006 | 50.30 | 226 |
| West Indies | 9 | 17 | 824 | 51.50 | 182* |
| South Africa | 8 | 15 | 703 | 50.21 | 110 |
| Sri Lanka | 5 | 10 | 655 | 65.50 | 228 |
| Pakistan | 6 | 10 | 477 | 47.70 | 262 |
| Bangladesh | 2 | 4 | 98 | 24.50 | 56 |
| UAE | 3 | 6 | 287 | 57.40 | 88 |
The statistics mean that England has been Root’s most fruitful Test stop, with upwards of 7,600 runs. He has also accumulated over 1,000 runs in India and New Zealand, averaging 65.50 in Sri Lanka.
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Joe Root Test Runs in England
Root has been particularly productive at home. He has scored 7,602 Test runs in England and is one of the UK’s heavyweights.
His home record is one of longevity and consistency too; he has an available career-by-country statistics total of 24 centuries in England. His excursions at venues such as Lord’s, Headingley and Trent Bridge have become a pivotal part of his Test legacy.
Joe Root Test Runs in India
Root has also established a formidable record in India, although facing among the best spin bowlers on earth. He has 1,272 Test runs in India, which includes three hundreds with a best of 218.
Most notably, his 218 came in a match during England’s 2021 tour, which proved he can git spin-friendly wickets like this. Root’s work at home has been especially valuable because in the subcontinent overseas success is seen as a key indicator of Test batter adaptability.
Joe Root Test Runs in Australia
Australia has presented one of the more difficult territories for Root. In Australia, he has scored 1,292 Test runs at an average of 38.00 from just 19 matches. His personal best there is 160.
The 2025 Ashes were to finally see Root overcome one of the last great holes in his Test résumé. His 135 at the Gabba was his first Test ton in Australia, taking him to the milestone of his 40th Test century.
Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar Test Runs
The biggest statistical question surrounding Root’s late career is whether he can challenge Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time Test run record.
| Player | Test Runs | Matches | Innings | Average |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 15,921 | 200 | 329 | 53.78 |
| Joe Root | 14,216 | 169 | 308 | 50.23 |
Tendulkar is a long way ahead with 15,921 Test runs. He will finish 1,705 runs short of the record set by Root’s 14,216.
It will depend on how many Tests he continues to play and whether the extraordinary run-scoring consistency that has so evidently been his hallmark will endure, and whether Root can bridge that gap. At 35, he still has a central place in England’s Test setup and was welcomed back as captain.
Joe Root Test Runs: Major Milestones
| Milestone | Details |
| Test Debut | 2012 vs India |
| 1,000 Test Runs | Early stage of career |
| 5,000 Test Runs | Established England batter |
| 10,000 Test Runs | 2022 vs New Zealand |
| 40th Test Century | 2025 vs Australia |
| 14,000 Test Runs | 2026 vs New Zealand |
| 14,216 Test Runs | Latest available figure |
| Highest Score | 262 vs Pakistan |
| Test Centuries | 41 |
| Test Double Centuries | 6 |
Joe Root’s Place in Test Cricket History
One of the most notable aspects of Root’s Test career is that while he averages over 60 during English summer’s dominating cricket when conditions suit, his stats have looked great in every other phase. He started under the traditional Test lead, took over captaincy of England for a few years, and then was one of the most successful batters in Bazball cricket.
He also proved astonishingly durable. Root, who became the leading century-maker and run-scorer for England (men) across formats in international cricket, further built on his reputation of being one of the finest Test batters of this generation during the 2024 season, ICC said.
Can Joe Root Break Sachin Tendulkar’s Test Runs Record?
Root lies 1,705 runs short of Tendulkar’s total of 15,921, and while no longer able to chronic leg joys to keep reaching desperate new depths, his chances remain realistic as long as he plays Test cricket for a confirmed decade or so. The fact he averages a healthy 50.23 is something to build from, but the key will be maintaining that as he enters the twilight years of his career.
The reason this race is interesting is that Root has accomplished a few notable feats ahead of schedule. Only the second player to reach 14,000 Test runs, behind Sachin Tendulkar, and a stalwart presence in England’s line-up that allows him a chance of closing the distance. That is the highest benchmark for the time being, though.
FAQs About Joe Root Test Runs
1. How many Test runs does Joe Root have?
Joe Root has 14,216 Test runs according to the latest available career statistics.
2. How many Test centuries does Joe Root have?
Joe Root has scored 41 Test centuries, including six double centuries.
3. What is Joe Root’s highest Test score?
Joe Root’s highest Test score is 262 runs, scored against Pakistan in Multan in 2024.
4. When did Joe Root reach 14,000 Test runs?
Root reached 14,000 Test runs on June 20, 2026, against New Zealand at The Oval.
5. Who has scored more Test runs, Joe Root or Sachin Tendulkar?
Sachin Tendulkar has scored more Test runs. Tendulkar finished with 15,921, while Root’s latest figure is 14,216.
6. What is Joe Root’s Test batting average?
Joe Root’s current Test batting average is 50.23.
Conclusion
Joe Root is one of the most successful batters in cricket history, with 14,216 Test runs to his name. Having scored 41 centuries, six double hundreds, a highest score of 262, and over 14,000 runs in his career already places him among the all-time greats. 1,705 runs currently separate him from Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 15,921 as he looks to chase down the Test legend once again, providing another layer of salacious intrigue to his already remarkable Test career.
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