On July 10, 2025, Joe Root etched his name into the annals of cricket history during the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Lord’s, becoming the first player to score 3,000 Test runs against India. This monumental achievement, accomplished in his 60th Test innings against the formidable Indian side, underscores Root’s exceptional consistency and mastery against one of the world’s strongest bowling attacks. With a stylish half-century on Day 1, Root not only breached the 3,000-run barrier but also solidified his reputation as one of England’s greatest-ever batsmen.
A Milestone Moment at the Home of Cricket
The Lord’s Test, the third of a five-match series locked at 1-1, was poised to be a pivotal encounter. England, having won the toss and elected to bat, faced early setbacks with the dismissals of Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, courtesy of Nitish Kumar Reddy. However, Root, alongside Ollie Pope, steadied the ship with a crucial 100-run partnership, showcasing his trademark resilience and technical prowess. It was in the 44th over, with a boundary off Reddy’s bowling, that Root reached the 3,000-run milestone, a feat that sparked celebrations among fans and teammates alike.
Root’s journey to this record is a testament to his dominance against India. Averaging an impressive 57 against them, Root has consistently been a thorn in India’s side, scoring 10 centuries and 12 half-centuries in 33 Tests. His highest score of 218, achieved in Chennai in 2021, remains a highlight of his career and England’s tours to India. This latest milestone places him head and shoulders above other cricketing greats, with Australia’s Ricky Ponting (2,555 runs) and Root’s former teammate Alastair Cook (2,431 runs) trailing in second and third place, respectively. Among active players, only Steve Smith comes close, with 2,356 runs in 24 matches.
Root’s Lord’s Legacy
Lord’s, often referred to as the Home of Cricket, has been a fortress for Root. The 34-year-old has now amassed 2,022 runs at the venue in 22 matches, the most by any batter at this iconic ground. His performance in the third Test added another chapter to his storied relationship with Lord’s, where he has previously scored a double century against Sri Lanka in 2014 and an Ashes century in 2013. Root’s ability to perform under pressure at such a historic venue further cements his status as a modern-day great.
The significance of Root’s achievement is amplified by the context of the match. With the series delicately poised, his contribution was vital in helping England recover from early losses to post a competitive 153/2 by the end of Day 1. His 13th half-century against India, combined with his record-breaking milestone, highlighted his pivotal role in England’s batting lineup. Root’s calm and composed approach, even amidst India’s disciplined bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah, showcased why he is regarded as one of the finest batsmen of his generation.
A Career of Consistency and Class
Joe Root’s cricketing journey began in 2012 when he debuted against India in Nagpur, immediately making an impact with his adept batting and composure. Since then, he has evolved into England’s most prolific Test run-scorer, surpassing Alastair Cook’s record in 2024 with a personal-best 268 against Pakistan in Multan. As of July 2025, Root has played 153 Tests, scoring 36 centuries and holding the fifth-highest run tally in Test cricket history. His ability to adapt to different conditions and oppositions has made him a standout performer, with India being his most prolific opponent.
Root’s record against India is particularly remarkable given the strength of their bowling attack over the years. From facing the likes of Ishant Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin to tackling modern-day stars like Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, Root has consistently found ways to dominate. His 10 centuries against India are second only to Steve Smith’s 11, and his 103 fifty-plus scores in Tests place him just one behind Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 68 half-centuries. Root’s pursuit of Tendulkar’s milestones, including the most Test runs (15,921), remains a tantalizing prospect, with the Englishman trailing by just under 3,000 runs at the age of 34.
Chasing Tendulkar’s Records
Root’s 3,000-run milestone against India is not the only record he is chasing. His 67th Test half-century in the Lord’s Test brought him within one of Tendulkar’s record for the most fifty-plus scores in Test cricket. Additionally, Root is just 373 runs away from surpassing Ricky Ponting’s 13,378 runs to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history. With 279 innings to reach 13,000 runs, Root is the fastest to achieve that milestone, though he took 13 more innings than Tendulkar to reach the 13,000-run mark. His longevity and consistency suggest that Tendulkar’s records are within reach, provided Root maintains his form and fitness.
Root’s ability to perform across formats further highlights his versatility. With 18 ODI centuries and over 4,000 international runs against India across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, he is one of only four players to achieve this feat against the cricketing powerhouse. His fielding prowess, particularly in the slips, adds another dimension to his contribution, with Root needing just three more catches to reach 50 dismissals against India across formats.
The Context of the Series
The 2025 India-England series has been a thrilling contest, with both teams showcasing their strengths. England’s epic chase of 371 in the first Test at Leeds, where Root scored a crucial 53 not out, gave them a 1-0 lead. India responded emphatically in the second Test with a 336-run victory, their largest-ever in terms of runs. The Lord’s Test, therefore, was a critical juncture, and Root’s milestone added a layer of drama to an already intense series. His ability to anchor the innings while guiding younger players like Ollie Pope underscores his importance to the team, both as a batsman and a leader.
Despite a relatively lean run in the first two Tests, where he scored 109 runs across four innings, Root’s performance at Lord’s was a reminder of his class. His ability to adapt to the match situation, whether accelerating against spin or playing patiently against pace, makes him a formidable opponent. India’s bowlers, aware of Root’s dominance, will be keen to dismiss him early in future encounters, but his record suggests that task is easier said than done.
Root’s Place Among the Greats
Root’s achievement places him in an elite group of cricketers, with only eight players—Root, Ponting, Cook, Smith, Clive Lloyd, Javed Miandad, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and Michael Clarke—having scored over 2,000 Test runs against India. His ability to outperform legends like Ponting and Cook, while remaining the only active player in the top four, speaks volumes about his consistency and skill. Root’s technical excellence, combined with his ability to play all shots, draws comparisons to his mentor Michael Vaughan, but his numbers suggest he has surpassed even those lofty standards.
As England’s “Bazball” era under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum has evolved, Root has adapted his game, moving away from risky shots to a more measured approach. This shift has made him harder to dismiss, as evidenced by his average of 57 in Tests since 2022. His 3,000 runs against India, achieved in just 33 matches, highlight his ability to thrive against top opposition, making him a cornerstone of England’s Test setup.
Looking Ahead
With the series poised for a thrilling conclusion, Root’s form will be crucial for England’s hopes of regaining the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. His milestone at Lord’s is not just a personal triumph but a boost for the team’s morale. As he continues to chase Tendulkar’s records and cement his legacy, Root remains a player to watch, both for his on-field exploits and his potential to redefine England’s cricketing history.
Root’s journey is far from over. With multiple milestones in sight—7,000 Test runs in England, 11,000 international runs at home, and Tendulkar’s Test run record—Root is poised to leave an indelible mark on the game. For now, his 3,000 runs against India stand as a testament to his skill, determination, and love for Test cricket.
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