Joe Root becomes second Test cricketer in history to reach outrageous milestone

Jun 20, 2026 - 15:45

Joe Root is just the second man in the history of Test cricket to hit 14,000 runs as another career landmark tumbles.

The England star was sat on 13,998 heading into his side’s second innings against New Zealand at The Oval.

Joe Root runs while playing for England in the second Test against New Zealand — Root was already in the pantheon of greats, but this just further cements it

And after Emilo Gay and Jacob Bethell were dismissed, Root came to the crease with England chasing an improbable total of 463.

The hosts might well go on to lose the game, but the fourth day Oval crowd got to witness a piece of history as Root joined Sachin Tendulkar as the only other man to hit 14,000 runs in Test cricket.

Root was already second on the all-time list after surpassing Ricky Pointing during The Ashes.

But he is now just under 2,000 runs away from beating Tendulkar, who finished his career with 15,921, and becoming the top Test run scorer of all time.

As he hit the run required, there was a smattering of applause before the big number came up on the board.

Every single person stood up to acknowledge the incredible achievement as he raised his bat to thank the crowd.

A board at The Oval in south London shows that Joe Root has hit 14,000 Test runs in his career — Root now has Tendulkar’s record firmly in his sights

Joe Root takes the acclaim after his 138 not out at The Gabba in the second Ashes Test — Root is filling in as stand-in captain for this Test after Ben Stokes was suspended

Reacting to the moment on-air for during talkSPORT Cricket’s international commentary, Neil Manthorp said: “People all around the ground are standing, and it’s on the big screen.

“Everybody is on their feet, but rarely can it have happened that someone gets to two not out and gets a standing ovation.

“Absolutely brilliant. New Zealand are all applauding him as well.

“Root just gently raised his bat. The best two of his career.”

And ex-New Zealand star, Jeremy Coney added: “Only one man ahead of him and that is Tendulkar on 15,921.”

To England’s rescue

Over the years, Root has saved England with the bat time and time again.

But for this Test, he had to step in as captain as well due to Ben Stokes being suspended.

The England captain broke curfew following the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s.

He and Gus Atkinson were out when an incident occurred involving a Saracens rugby player and an ECB security guard.

As a result, both were dropped from the team to face the Black Caps at The Oval.

Harry Brook is white-ball skipper, but he was not selected in favour of former captain Root.

Ben Stokes and Joe Root applaud fans — Root has bailed Stokes out for this Test, but the England Testy captain is set to return

Reports indicate that Stokes will be back for England for the third and final Test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

And it looks as if it will be level.

England vs New Zealand: Story so far

Root won the toss in south London and elected to bowl first.

The Black Caps made 391 on a good pitch with Glenn Phillips scoring his maiden centrury.

But the innings was characterised by 50 extras from England and a few bad drops.

In response, the hosts made 291 with number ten Matthew Fisher scoring a maiden Test 50 to move England within reach, but New Zealand’s lead is still enormous.

Tom Nicholls scoring a century and Daryl Mitchell also scoring 68 to leave England an improbable chase of 463.

Should they do it, it would be a world record.