England’s star batter Joe Root has etched his name in cricketing history by surpassing Sachin Tendulkar to become the highest run-scorer in the fourth innings of Test cricket. Root achieved this feat during England’s dominant eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in the Christchurch Test at Hagley Oval on Sunday.
Root contributed an unbeaten 23 off 15 balls in England’s chase of 104 runs, taking his fourth-innings tally to 1,630 runs and surpassing Tendulkar’s record of 1,625 runs. Root now leads a prestigious list, followed by Alastair Cook (1,611 runs), Graeme Smith (1,611 runs), and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (1,580 runs).
Since his Test debut in 2012, Root has played 150 matches, amassing 12,777 runs at an average of 50.90 and a strike rate of 57.23, solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s modern greats.
England’s victory in the first Test gave them a 1-0 lead in the series. The hosts, New Zealand, began Day 4 at 155/6 with only a four-run advantage. Daryl Mitchell’s fighting knock of 84, aided by Nathan Smith’s 21 and a spirited effort from the lower order, helped New Zealand set a second-innings total of 254.
England’s bowling attack, led by Brydon Carse, dismantled the Kiwis. Carse claimed a career-best 6/42, taking three of the final four wickets on the last day to limit New Zealand’s lead.
Chasing 104, England cruised to victory. Debutant Jacob Bethell shone with a blistering unbeaten 50 off 37 balls, ensuring a comfortable win for the visitors.