Joe Root’s Journey Among Test Cricket’s Greatest Run-Scorers
Joe Root is one of the greatest batters of modern Test cricket. The England star has built an outstanding career through his consistency, excellent technique and ability to score runs against the world’s best bowling attacks.
Joe Root Test stats are one of the most remarkable stories in modern cricket. From a young debutant in 2012 to becoming one of the greatest Test batsmen in history, Root has consistently delivered for England, both at home and away.
Early Days of Joe Root in Test Cricket
Joe Root made his Test debut against India in 13 December 2012 in Nagpur, scoring 79 in his first appearance. His calm temperament, solid technique, and hunger for runs quickly impressed everyone. In just a few matches, Joe Root became a reliable name in England’s batting line-up. From his early days in international cricket to becoming England’s leading Test run-scorer, Root has achieved several remarkable milestones.
The Joe Root Test stats tell the story of a batter who has performed consistently in different conditions and against different opponents. He has scored 14,278 Test runs, registered 41 centuries and maintained a batting average 50.45. His highest Test score of 262 against Pakistan is another major highlight of his career.
But his achievements go beyond runs and centuries. Root has also contributed with the ball, taken important catches and led England as Test captain.
In this article, we will explore Joe Root Test Stats, Test batting and bowling records, career milestones, highest scores, centuries and other important statistics.
Joe Root Test Stats: Complete Career Overview
Joe Root Test stats gained pace when he started scoring big centuries in tough conditions. He scored his maiden Test hundred against New Zealand at Headingley in 2013. Since then, he has been the backbone of England’s middle order.
Here is a quick overview of his Test career:
| Test Career Record | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Player | Joe Root |
| Country | England |
| Test Debut | 13 December 2012 |
| Matches | 169 |
| Innings | 309 |
| Not Out | 26 |
| Total Test Runs | 14,278 |
| Batting Average | 50.45 |
| Highest Score | 262 |
| Strike Rate | 57.61 |
| Test Centuries | 41 |
| Test Half-Centuries | 69 |
| Double Centuries | 6 |
| Fours | 1,536 |
| Sixes | 46 |
| Ducks | 15 |
| Catches | 220 |
These numbers show why Root is considered one of the most successful Test batters of his generation. He has combined a high batting average with a huge number of runs, centuries and half-centuries.
Joe Root Test Runs: How Many Runs Has He Scored?
Joe Root has scored 14,278 runs in Test cricket in 169 matches and 309 batting innings. This makes him one of the highest run-scorers in the history of the format. His ability to score runs consistently has been one of the biggest strengths of his career. Root does not depend on one particular style of batting. He can defend patiently when England need stability.
One of the most impressive parts of Joe Root Test Stats/record is his consistency across different years. He has scored more than 1,000 Test runs in several calendar years, including 2015, 2016, 2021 and 2022. His 2021 performance was particularly outstanding, as he scored 1,708 runs in 15 matches.
Root’s Test runs also reflect his ability to perform in challenging conditions. He has scored important centuries in England and overseas, including memorable performances against India, Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
Joe Root Test Centuries: How Many Hundreds Has He Scored?
Joe Root has scored 41 Test centuries and 69 half-centuries in his career. His first Test hundred came against New Zealand at Headingley in 2013, when he scored 104 runs. He has also scored six double centuries in Test cricket, showing that he can turn a good innings into a match-defining performance.
Root became England’s leading Test century-maker when he passed Alastair Cook’s previous record of 33 Test hundreds in 2024. He has continued to extend that record since then. His 41 centuries place him among the most prolific century-makers in Test history. These achievements have made him a key figure in England’s batting history.
Joe Root Captaincy Record in Test
Root also served as England’s Test captain from 2017 to 2022, leading the side in 64 matches and winning 27 of them, losing 26 and drawing 11, the most by any England captain.
One of the highlights of his leadership was England’s 4–1 Ashes series victory at home in 2017. He also led England to important Test wins in different conditions.
During this period, he led the team through several important series and difficult periods. His captaincy period included memorable victories as well as challenging overseas tours. Although Root eventually stepped down from the captaincy in 2022, his leadership period remains an important part of his career.
Joe Root Test Average: Is It Above 50?
Yes. Joe Root has a Test batting average of 50.45, which is an excellent achievement in the longest format of cricket. Root’s average above 50 shows that he has been able to score heavily while maintaining consistency over a long career. This is especially important in Test cricket, where batters must face different bowling attacks, changing pitches and challenging match situations.
His average has not remained the same every year. Some seasons have been more successful than others, but his overall record remains impressive. In 2021, for example, he averaged 61.00 and scored 1,708 runs. In 2023, his average increased to 65.58. Maintaining an average above 50 across more than 300 innings is a major achievement and one of the strongest features of Joe Root Test stats.
Joe Root Highest Score in Test Cricket
Joe Root’s highest Test score is 262 runs, which he scored against Pakistan in Multan in October 2024. Root’s 262 showed his patience, concentration and ability to build a long innings. He did not rush his scoring and continued to find opportunities to score runs throughout his stay at the crease.
This innings was one of the most memorable performances of his career. Root built a massive partnership with Harry Brook, who scored a remarkable 317 runs. Their partnership helped England post a huge first-innings total and put Pakistan under enormous pressure.
His 262 remains his highest individual score in Test cricket.
Joe Root vs India: A Historic Rivalry
One of the highlights of Joe Root Test stats is his performance against India. He has scored 13 centuries and scored 3,383 runs against them, including match-winning knocks in 2021 and 2025. In the 4th Test of the recent series, Root became the 2nd highest run-scorer in Test history, surpassing legends like Ricky Ponting and Kumar Sangakkara.
Joe Root’s Test Centuries by Year
The following table shows his annual Test batting performance, including the number of centuries and half-centuries.
| Year | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 93 | 93.00 | 0 | 1 |
| 2013 | 14 | 862 | 34.48 | 2 | 3 |
| 2014 | 7 | 777 | 97.12 | 3 | 3 |
| 2015 | 14 | 1,385 | 60.21 | 3 | 10 |
| 2016 | 17 | 1,477 | 49.23 | 3 | 10 |
| 2017 | 11 | 966 | 50.84 | 2 | 8 |
| 2018 | 13 | 948 | 41.21 | 2 | 6 |
| 2019 | 12 | 851 | 37.00 | 2 | 4 |
| 2020 | 8 | 464 | 42.18 | 0 | 4 |
| 2021 | 15 | 1,708 | 61.00 | 6 | 4 |
| 2022 | 15 | 1,098 | 45.75 | 5 | 2 |
| 2023 | 8 | 787 | 65.58 | 2 | 5 |
| 2024 | 17 | 1,556 | 55.57 | 6 | 5 |
| 2025 | 10 | 805 | 50.31 | 4 | 1 |
| 2026 | 7 | 501 | 41.75 | 1 | 3 |
Joe Root Test Bowling Stats
Although Joe Root is mainly known as a batter, he has also contributed with the ball throughout his Test career. He is a right-arm off-break bowler and can provide England with useful overs when required.
Here are his Test bowling statistics:
| Bowling Record | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Matches | 169 |
| Bowling Innings | 170 |
| Balls Bowled | 6,332 |
| Runs Conceded | 3,559 |
| Wickets | 74 |
| Bowling Average | 48.09 |
| Economy Rate | 3.37 |
| Bowling Strike Rate | 85.57 |
| Best Bowling in an Innings | 5/8 |
| Best Bowling in a Match | 5/33 |
| Five-Wicket Hauls | 1 |
| Ten-Wicket Hauls | 0 |
Root’s best Test bowling performance came against India at Lord’s in 2018, when he took five wickets for eight runs. This performance showed that he can make an impact with the ball as well as the bat.
Consistency Across the Globe
Joe Root has scored centuries in every major cricketing nation, from Australia and South Africa to India and Sri Lanka. His ability to adapt to different pitches and conditions sets him apart.
| Country | Matches | Runs Scored | Average | Centuries/Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 24 | 2,096 | 49.90 | 6/10 |
| India | 35 | 3,383 | 59.35 | 13/12 |
| Australia | 39 | 2,828 | 40.98 | 6/18 |
| Sri Lanka | 13 | 1376 | 62.54 | 6/2 |
| Pakistan | 21 | 1,651 | 51.59 | 2/9 |
Joe Root Test Stats: Achievements and Awards
1. England’s Leading Test Run-Scorer
Joe Root is England’s highest run-scorer in Test cricket. He moved past Alastair Cook’s previous record and continued to increase his total. His 14,278 Test runs make him one of the leading run-scorers in the history of the format.
2. England’s Most Prolific Test Century-Maker
Root has scored 41 Test centuries, making him England’s leading batter in this category. He passed Alastair Cook’s record of 33 centuries in 2024 and has continued to build on that achievement.
3. Six Double Centuries
Root has scored six double centuries in Test cricket. These big innings demonstrate his ability to remain at the crease for long periods and turn strong starts into major scores.
- ICC Test Cricketer of the Year 2021
- Wisden Cricketer of the Year
- Fastest England player to 10,000 Test runs
- Most Test wins as England captain
What Makes Joe Root Special?
Joe Root Test career is a perfect example of consistency, class, and commitment. His ability to score runs in pressure situations and guide younger players has made him a modern-day great. With more years ahead, Root might even challenge Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 15,921 runs.
FAQs About Joe Root Test Stats
When did Joe Root make his Test debut?
Joe Root made his Test debut for England against India on 13 December 2012 in Nagpur.
How many runs has Joe Root scored in Test cricket?
As of 2026, Joe Root has scored 14,278 runs, in 169 matches and 309 innings, making him the 2nd highest run-scorer in Test cricket history.
How many Test centuries has Joe Root scored?
Joe Root has scored 41 Test centuries, including six double centuries and centuries against top teams like India, Australia, and South Africa.
What is Joe Root’s Test batting average?
Joe Root’s Test batting average is 50.45. This means he has scored an average of more than 50 runs per dismissal throughout his Test career.
What is Joe Root’s highest score in Test cricket?
His highest Test score is 262 runs, scored against Pakistan in Multan in October 2024.
Was Joe Root a successful Test captain for England?
Yes, Joe Root was one of England’s most successful Test captains. He led the team in 64 matches, winning 27, which is the highest by any England Test captain.
How many wickets has Joe Root taken in Test cricket?
Joe Root has taken 74 Test wickets. His best bowling figures in an innings are five wickets for eight runs.
How many catches has Joe Root taken in Test cricket?
Joe Root has taken 220 catches in Test cricket, making him an important contributor in England’s fielding unit.
Alongside Joe Root Test Stats, you can also read the Most centuries in international cricket history in ODI, Test and T20I, for read more, Click the link below:
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