He broke the previous record of 2,513 runs set by Graham Gooch. On the first day of the third Test match against India, the record was broken.
Root also became the first player in Test cricket history to score 3,000 runs against India in the same game.
On Day 1, he came back undefeated at 99 at stumps.
Joe Root Goes Past Gooch in Lord’s Run Tally
Joe Root added another feather to his illustrious cap on Day 1 of the ongoing Test at Lord’s as he surpassed Graham Gooch to become the highest international run-scorer at the venue.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Root’s tally at Lord’s now stands at 2,526 runs across 51 international innings, at an impressive average of 54.91. More than 2,100 of these runs have come in Test matches alone, further cementing his dominance at the iconic ground. Until now, Graham Gooch (2,513) was the only batter to have breached the 2,200-run mark in international cricket at Lord’s.
Notably, seven of Root’s eight centuries at Lord’s have come in Test whites, showcasing his reliability and class in the traditional format.
Root’s Dominance Against India and Historic Milestones in Sight
Root’s unbeaten 99* on Day 1 also propelled his run tally against India to 3,054 runs in 33 Tests, including 10 centuries — numbers that put him in rarefied company.
He is now one of only three batters in Test history to score over 3,000 runs in a non-Ashes Test rivalry, alongside legends Gary Sobers and Sachin Tendulkar.
If Root converts this innings into a century, it would mark:
His 37th Test century, making him the fifth-highest century-maker in Test history, surpassing Steve Smith and Rahul Dravid.
His 55th international century, equaling the tally of South African great Hashim Amla.
Root’s consistency, especially against top-tier opponents like India and in historic venues like Lord’s, continues to elevate him into the pantheon of all-time greats. As his career progresses, records are not just being chased — they’re being rewritten.