Joe Root etched his name in history by surpassing Alastair Cook to become England’s highest Test run scorer during the third day of the first Test match against Pakistan at Multan Cricket Stadium on October 9. Root’s unbeaten century propelled England to an impressive total of 492-3, as he ended the day on 176 runs, with Harry Brook alongside him at 141 not out.
At 33 years old, Root eclipsed Cook’s previous record of 12,472 runs, becoming the fifth-highest run scorer in Test history. He reached this milestone with a straight boundary off seamer Aamer Jamal just before lunch, solidifying his place among cricket’s greats.
Root and Brook’s partnership has been remarkable, amassing 243 runs for the unbroken fourth wicket while efficiently handling Pakistan’s bowling attack on a flat pitch that had challenged England’s bowlers during the first two days. Root’s innings spanned 481 minutes and included 12 boundaries, while Brook also struck 12 fours and added a six despite dealing with cramps.
In the second session, Root reverse-swept spinner Abrar Ahmed for a single to bring up his 35th Test hundred—the sixth most by any batsman—and went to the break on a commanding 119 not out. Brook, who scored his 10th Test half-century, ended the day on 141, leaving England just 64 runs shy of Pakistan’s first innings total of 556.
The third wicket partnership between Root and Ben Duckett was fruitful as well, contributing 136 runs before Duckett was dismissed for 84, trapped leg-before by Jamal after striking 11 boundaries. Zak Crawley added 78 runs with 13 fours in a solid opening partnership but fell early on the third morning, caught off Afridi’s bowling.
Pakistan’s bowling attack featured all three of its fast bowlers—Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Aamer Jamal—each claiming one wicket.
This day marked a historic moment for Root, who took 268 innings and played 147 Tests to surpass Cook’s record from 161 Tests, which ended in 2018. The all-time leading run-scorer remains India’s Sachin Tendulkar, who holds an astounding 15,921 runs from 200 matches.
In a nod to Root’s potential, Cook commented during BBC radio coverage, “I can see him overhauling Sachin Tendulkar’s record. You could say Sachin is still the favorite, but just. I don’t see Root losing that hunger and ability to keep driving himself forward for the next couple of years.”
