Joe Root has joined an elite club of cricket legends by surpassing 12,000 Test runs, leapfrogging the iconic Brian Lara on the all-time list of leading scorers. Root’s milestone came during England’s commanding performance on the second day of the third Test at Edgbaston, as they turned the tide against the West Indies.
England’s Resilience After a Rocky Start
The West Indies made a formidable start, reducing England to a precarious 5-54 early on. However, England mounted a remarkable comeback, ending the day with a 94-run first-innings lead and having the visitors at 2-33 by stumps. This performance has placed England in a strong position to secure a series sweep.
Key Contributions from England’s Batsmen
Starting the day at 3-38, England’s batsmen displayed resilience and skill. Jamie Smith and Joe Root both came close to scoring centuries, with Root’s innings being particularly notable as he reached his milestone of 12,000 Test runs. Smith was dismissed just five runs short of a maiden Test ton, bowled by Shamar Joseph. Root, on the other hand, was dismissed for 87 by Gudakesh Motie, having made a significant impact with his controlled innings.
Gus Atkinson with his 21st wicket of the series! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/WzIpPGnlqS
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 27, 2024
Root’s Achievement in Context
Root’s achievement is monumental. His 14th run of the day took him past Brian Lara’s career total of 11,953 Test runs, and his 60th run made him the seventh player in history to reach 12,000 runs. Root is now the only active player on this prestigious list and is poised to surpass Sir Alastair Cook’s record of 12,472 runs to become the top-scoring Englishman.
England’s lower order strengthens the lead
Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes played crucial roles with half-centuries that helped England recover from their early collapse. Their contributions, along with Root’s and Smith’s, enabled England to reach a total of 376, well ahead of the West Indies‘ first-inning score of 282.
Answer: no https://t.co/GidbtCOI6T pic.twitter.com/TsLjrmMZ0h
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 27, 2024
The West Indies’ Struggles Continue
The West Indies faced immediate pressure in their second inning. Chris Woakes struck early, bowling captain Kraigg Brathwaite for a duck, and Gus Atkinson dismissed the struggling Kirk McKenzie for eight. By the end of the day, the West Indies were at 2-33, with Mikyle Louis (18 not out) and Alick Athanaze (unbeaten on five) set to resume on Sunday, trailing by 61 runs.
Smith’s Positive Approach
Jamie Smith’s aggressive style was a highlight of England’s innings. Despite being marked as a “compulsive hooker” by the West Indies, Smith responded with an array of attacking shots, including a massive six over the Eric Hollies Stand. Reflecting on his innings, Smith emphasized his intent to remain positive and take on the opposition, even if it occasionally leads to his dismissal.
SIX. SIX. OUT!
📺 An action-packed end to our first innings… Watch the best of the action so far on Day 2 via our catch-up highlights 👇
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 27, 2024
Looking Ahead
As the Test continues, England will aim to capitalize on their strong position, while the West Indies will need to show resilience and fight back to avoid a series of whitewashes. Root’s achievement will be celebrated, but England’s focus will be on maintaining their dominance and securing victory.
Top 10 Run-Scorers in Men’s Test Cricket
- Sachin Tendulkar (India): 15,921
- Ricky Ponting (Australia): 13,378
- Jacques Kallis (South Africa): 13,289
- Rahul Dravid (India/ICC): 13,288
- Alastair Cook (England): 12,472
- Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka): 12,400
- Joe Root* (England): 12,027
- Brian Lara (West Indies/ICC): 11,953
- Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies): 11,867
- Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka): 11,814 ( denotes active player)
As England seeks to build on their lead, Root’s remarkable milestone will serve as an inspiration, highlighting his status as one of the modern greats in cricket.
