Joe Root becomes fastest cricketer to 11,000 Test runs

Courtesy of a breezy half-century against Ireland in the one-off Test, England’s Joe Root breached the 11,000-run mark in the longest format, becoming the fastest to attain the milestone in terms of matches, reaching there in his 130th game.

Root’s knock at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on Friday, June 2. England were in the driver’s seat thanks to a majestic double ton by Ollie Pope (205 runs off 208 balls) alongside Ben Duckett’s 178-ball 182.

The Three Lions were further aided by Test specialist Root, who joined the party and wasted no time in keeping the innings steady with his breezy 56 off 59, which featured four boundaries and one maximum. He attained the impressive landmark when he reached 52 with a single off Curtis Campher.

It is worth mentioning that he became the second English batter to achieve the feat after England great Alastair Cook. Root is also the second highest run-getter in the format for England with 11,004 runs, only behind Cook (12,472 runs). He has hit 58 half-centuries and 29 tons, with his runs coming at an impressive average of 50.46.

Root also holds the record for the most runs scored in the 2021-23 cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) with 1915 runs in 22 matches, including six fifties and eight centuries. Speaking about the match, Root also raised a 146-run stand with Pope for the third wicket.

However, Andy McBrine drew curtains on Root’s innings for 56. Notably, Ireland were dismissed for a paltry 172 courtesy of Stuart Broad’s five-for. With the crucial Ashes 2023 to kickstart in mid-June, Root will look to maintain his fine form in their quest to lift the Ashes.

Fastest batters to 11,000 Test runs (by matches)

Joe Root – 130th match

Brian Lara – 131st match

Kumar Sangakkara – 134th match

Mahela Jayawardena – 149th match