Joe Root’s recent exploits in the IND vs ENG Test series have solidified his status as one of the finest Test batters of his generation. His 39th Test century, achieved during the series, not only powered England to a historic 3-1 victory over India but also propelled him past Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara in the list of most Test centuries. With 39 tons, Root now sits fourth in the all-time rankings, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar (51), Jacques Kallis (45), and Ricky Ponting (41). This article delves into Root’s remarkable achievement, his dominance in the World Test Championship (WTC), and his place among cricketing greats, while exploring the broader context of his career and the evolving landscape of Test cricket.
Joe Root’s 39th Test Century: A Milestone Moment
On a gripping Sunday during the IND vs ENG series, Joe Root showcased his mastery with a sublime century, his third in the five-match series. This ton was not just a personal triumph but a pivotal moment in England’s series-clinching performance. Root’s ability to deliver under pressure, particularly against a formidable Indian side, underscores his class and consistency. His 39th Test century saw him surpass Kumar Sangakkara’s tally of 38, placing him among the elite in Test cricket history.
Root’s numbers speak volumes about his prowess. With 13,536 runs at an average of 57.40, he boasts one of the highest batting averages among the top run-scorers in Test cricket. His relatively low count of 13 ducks compared to peers like Ponting (17) and Kallis (16) highlights his consistency at the crease. The table below compares Root with the top five Test centurions:
Batsman | Centuries | Runs | Average | Ducks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sachin Tendulkar | 51 | 15,921 | 53.78 | 14 |
Jacques Kallis | 45 | 13,289 | 55.37 | 16 |
Ricky Ponting | 41 | 13,378 | 51.85 | 17 |
Joe Root | 39 | 13,536 | 57.40 | 13 |
Kumar Sangakkara | 38 | 12,400 | 51.46 | 11 |
Root’s climb to fourth place is a testament to his longevity and adaptability. Unlike Tendulkar, who played 200 Tests, or Kallis, a versatile all-rounder, Root has achieved his tally in fewer matches (149 as of August 2025), making his century conversion rate particularly impressive.
Dominance in the World Test Championship
Root’s impact extends beyond traditional Test metrics. Since the inception of the World Test Championship in 2019, he has been a cut above the rest. His milestone of becoming the first batter to amass 6,000 WTC runs is a staggering achievement, with Australia’s Steve Smith trailing at 4,278 runs. Root’s 21 centuries in the WTC era further cement his dominance, outpacing Smith’s 13 and leaving Indian batters like Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, with nine each, in his wake.
This dominance in the WTC reflects Root’s ability to thrive in the modern Test landscape, where conditions vary widely, and the competition is fierce. His adaptability across pitches—whether it’s the seaming tracks of England, the spin-friendly surfaces of India, or the bouncy wickets of Australia—sets him apart. Root’s technical finesse, particularly his ability to play spin with soft hands and precise footwork, was evident in his three centuries against India, a series where batters dominated but Root shone brightest.
Root’s Journey to Greatness
Joe Root’s journey to cricketing stardom began in Yorkshire, where his prodigious talent was evident from a young age. Debuting for England in 2012, he quickly established himself as a reliable middle-order batter. Over the years, Root has evolved from a promising youngster to the backbone of England’s batting lineup. His leadership as captain from 2017 to 2022, though not without challenges, saw England play an aggressive brand of cricket that laid the foundation for their recent successes under Ben Stokes.
Root’s batting style is a blend of elegance and pragmatism. His cover drives and late cuts are textbook, yet he possesses an uncanny ability to adapt to the situation. Whether anchoring an innings or accelerating against a tiring attack, Root’s versatility makes him a formidable opponent. His 39 centuries include a variety of knocks—gritty rearguards, match-defining epics, and fluent strokeplay—demonstrating his mastery across formats and conditions.
Comparing Root with the Greats
To appreciate Root’s place in history, it’s worth comparing him with the players ahead of him. Sachin Tendulkar, with 51 centuries, remains the gold standard. His longevity and ability to perform under the weight of a billion expectations set him apart. Jacques Kallis, with 45 centuries, combined batting excellence with significant bowling contributions, making his tally even more remarkable. Ricky Ponting’s 41 centuries came during Australia’s golden era, where his aggressive approach often turned matches in his team’s favor.
Root, however, brings a modern sensibility to Test batting. His high average of 57.40 reflects his ability to convert starts into big scores, a hallmark of his career. Unlike Kallis, Root is primarily a batter, and unlike Ponting, he has played in an era of more balanced Test competition, where bowlers have often held the upper hand. His pursuit of Tendulkar’s record, while daunting, is not out of reach, given Root’s age (34) and current form.
The IND vs ENG Series: A Batter’s Paradise
The 2025 IND vs ENG series was a batter’s delight, with Root leading the charge. His three centuries in the series showcased his ability to dominate India’s vaunted bowling attack, including spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah’s pace. England’s 3-1 series win was historic, marking one of India’s rare home defeats in recent years. Root’s contributions were pivotal, not just in terms of runs but in setting the tone for England’s aggressive approach.
The series also highlighted the contrast between Root and India’s batting lineup. While Rishabh Pant (2,731 WTC runs) was India’s highest run-scorer in the WTC, no Indian batter matched Root’s consistency or century tally. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, with nine WTC centuries each, showed promise, but Root’s ability to deliver match after match set him apart.
Root’s Legacy and Future Prospects
At 34, Joe Root is in the prime of his career. His hunger for runs and ability to evolve suggest he could challenge Ponting’s 41 centuries and perhaps even Kallis’s 45 in the coming years. Tendulkar’s 51 remains a lofty target, but Root’s current trajectory makes it a possibility, especially if he continues playing until his late 30s.
Root’s legacy, however, is not just about numbers. His role in transforming England’s Test team into a dynamic, attacking unit cannot be overstated. Under his captaincy and now as a senior player, Root has embraced the “Bazball” philosophy, which emphasizes aggressive intent and fearless cricket. His ability to balance this approach with technical solidity makes him a unique figure in modern cricket.
The Broader Context: Test Cricket in 2025
Root’s achievements come at a time when Test cricket faces challenges and opportunities. The WTC has revitalized the format, giving context to bilateral series and encouraging competitive cricket. However, the rise of T20 leagues and the physical demands of Test cricket pose threats to its longevity. Players like Root, who prioritize the red-ball game and excel in it, are crucial to its survival.
Moreover, Root’s success highlights the importance of adaptability in Test cricket. The modern game demands batters who can handle pace, spin, and seam in equal measure. Root’s ability to thrive in diverse conditions—evident in his performances in India, Australia, and England—sets a benchmark for aspiring Test batters.
In Summary
Joe Root’s 39th Test century is more than a personal milestone; it’s a testament to his enduring class and England’s resurgence in Test cricket. His climb to fourth in the list of most Test centuries, coupled with his dominance in the WTC, marks him as a generational talent. As he continues to chase the records of Tendulkar, Kallis, and Ponting, Root’s legacy is already secure as one of cricket’s greats.
His journey reflects the essence of Test cricket—resilience, skill, and the ability to rise to the occasion. Whether he surpasses Tendulkar’s record or not, Root’s contributions to England and the game at large will be remembered for years to come. For now, fans can savor the brilliance of a batter at the peak of his powers, rewriting history one century at a time.
