Joe Root created history on Thursday (July 10) by becoming the first batsman in the world to score 3000 runs in Test cricket against India. More than 300 players have played Test matches against India in the last 93 years, but 34-year-old English batsman Root is the first player to score at least 3000 runs in the five-day format of the game against the Indian men’s cricket team.
The former England captain achieved this feat in his 60th innings against India. During this innings, he also scored his 13th half-century. Root has 10 centuries against India and his average is more than 57.
Apart from Root, these batsmen have troubled India
His highest score against India was 218 runs, which he made in Chennai during England’s tour of India in 2021. The next best record against India is Ricky Ponting, who has scored 2,555 runs in 51 innings at an average of 54. A total of eight batsmen – Root, Ponting, Alastair Cook, Steve Smith, Clive Lloyd, Javed Miandad, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Michael Clarke – have scored more than 2000 runs in Test matches against India.
Before completing 3000 runs in Test matches against India, Root completed 4000 runs in international cricket against the Indian team. He is the first English and overall fourth batsman in the world to score more than 4000 runs against the Indian men’s cricket team.
Root needed 45 runs to reach the milestone, which he achieved by hitting a four off Nitish Reddy in the 44th over of the match. It took Root just 33 matches to reach the milestone.
India one of his most favourite opponents
Talking about his stats against India, it is safe to guess that India is one of his most favourite opponents. The Yorkshire-born player has an average of 57.53 against India, which is much higher than his already impressive career average of 50.92. Moreover, 143 of his 67 half-centuries and 10 of his 36 centuries have come against India.
With the Lord’s pitch being slow and flat, Root will be looking to convert his half-century into his 11th Test century against India. If he manages to do so, he will equal Smith’s record of 11 Test centuries against India.
FAQ
What record has Joe Root just achieved?
Joe Root has become the first batsman in history to score 3,000 Test runs against India.
How significant is this milestone?
It’s a major achievement, highlighting Root’s consistency and dominance against one of the world’s strongest bowling attacks across multiple series and years.
Who held the record for most Test runs against India before Root?
Before Root, the record was held by Ricky Ponting (Australia) and Alastair Cook (England), both of whom had scored over 2,000 runs against India.
How many matches did Root take to reach 3,000 runs vs India?
Root reached this mark over multiple Test series, playing 30+ Tests against India between 2012 and 2025. The exact number may vary slightly depending on the official match tally.
Has Joe Root scored centuries in India as well?
Yes, Root has scored several centuries both in home conditions (England) and in India, showing great adaptability.