Joe Root
The master of the long form. Joe Root is statistically England's greatest ever Test batter, a former captain who redefined the art of run-scoring with a mix of classical technique and modern innovation.
Career Snapshot
The numbers that secure Root's place in the pantheon of greats.
The all-time record holder for England, surpassing Sir Alastair Cook in 2024.
A consistent threat to the world's best bowling attacks, with a record number of hundreds for his country.
Maintaining an elite average across a career spanning over 140 Test matches.
Defining Moment: The 2024 Record
In October 2024, during the first Test against Pakistan in Multan, Joe Root moved past Sir Alastair Cook to become England's highest ever run-scorer in Test cricket. It was a moment that confirmed what many had known for years: Root is the most technically proficient and prolific batter these islands have ever produced.
The Art of the Root Innings
Joe Root's batting is defined by its effortlessness. He possesses an uncanny ability to rotate the strike, particularly against spin, ensuring that even when boundaries are hard to find, the scoreboard continues to move. His signature back-foot punch and delicate sweep shots are highlights of any cricket summer.
Beyond his individual records, Root served as England's Test captain for 64 matches—the most in history. While his tenure was marked by the challenges of the pandemic era, he led the team with a quiet dignity and was responsible for some of the greatest individual years ever seen, including his 1,708 runs in 2021.
The 'Fab Four'
Root is a member of the so-called 'Fab Four' of modern batting, alongside **Virat Kohli**, **Steve Smith**, and **Kane Williamson**. For over a decade, these four have competed for the title of the world's best batter, driving each other to unprecedented heights.
Career Stats by Format
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s / 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 146 | 12,754 | 51.22 | 35 / 64 |
| ODI | 171 | 6,522 | 47.60 | 16 / 39 |
| T20I | 32 | 893 | 35.72 | 0 / 5 |
Watch Joe Root Next
As a mainstay of the England Test and ODI squads, Joe Root is one of the most televised cricketers in the UK. You can typically find him playing in:
- England Home Internationals: Live on Sky Sports Cricket every summer.
- Away Tours: Broadcast on TNT Sports or Sky Sports depending on the venue.
- County Cricket: Representing Yorkshire in the County Championship during early season windows.
Check our Live TV Guide to find his next scheduled appearance.