Joe Root has once again written his name into the history books of cricket. On the fourth day of the fifth Test between England and India at The Oval, the former England captain became the first player in ICC World Test Championship (WTC) history to reach 6,000 runs. This milestone highlights his unmatched consistency and class in red-ball cricket over the past five years.
A Historic Milestone
Root achieved the feat in England’s second innings while chasing a tough target set by India. He reached the milestone with a single off Mohammed Siraj, becoming the only player in WTC history to cross the 6,000-run mark.
The 34-year-old has played 69 matches in the WTC cycle since its introduction in 2019 and now has over 6,000 runs, far ahead of his nearest rival, Steve Smith, who has just over 4,278 runs.
A Century That Mattered
Root didn’t just stop at the milestone. He went on to score a brilliant 105 runs, helping England stay on course for a potential win. His innings came at a crucial moment when India was looking to tighten their grip on the game. He combined beautifully with Harry Brook to stitch a massive 195-run partnership, which brought England within touching distance of the target.
This was Root’s 39th Test century, placing him fourth on the all-time list of most Test hundreds, behind Sachin Tendulkar (51), Jacques Kallis (45), and Ricky Ponting (41).
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Record Against India
Root has always enjoyed playing against India, and this match was no different. His latest knock added to a long list of strong performances against the Indian team. He now has 16 scores of 50 or more against India at home, a record matched only by South Africa’s Herbie Taylor, and just one short of Don Bradman’s record of 17 such scores against England.
WTC Run Leaders – As of August 4, 2025
| Rank | Player | Runs | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joe Root | 6,006 | 69 |
| 2 | Steve Smith | 4,278 | 55 |
| 3 | Marnus Labuschagne | 4,225 | 53 |
| 4 | Ben Stokes | 3,616 | 67 |
| 5 | Travis Head | 3,300 | 52 |
What This Means
Joe Root’s milestone highlights his crucial role in England’s Test team throughout the WTC era. His ability to perform in all conditions, home or away, and against every opponent has set him apart from his contemporaries.
Whether playing in the seaming conditions of Headingley or the spin-friendly pitches of Chennai, Root has remained a dependable run-scorer. With England pushing hard for a series win and Root still at the heart of their batting, fans can expect more records to tumble in the future.
Conclusion
Joe Root’s journey in Test cricket continues to inspire. Becoming the first player to score 6,000 WTC runs is not just a personal milestone but a reflection of his excellence and longevity in the longest format of the game. With England aiming for a strong finish in this high-pressure Test series against India, Root’s contribution remains as important as ever.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
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