Joe Root Surpasses Rahul Dravid And Allan Border To Join An Elite List

Joe Root Surpasses Rahul Dravid [X.com]

Joe Root played another crucial role in England's victory against Sri Lanka in the first Test at Old Trafford on August 24. Root's unbeaten 62 in the second innings not only guided England to a five-wicket win but also etched his name in the history of Test cricket.

Root, who had earlier contributed 42 runs in the first innings, achieved his 64th Test fifty, surpassing cricket legends Rahul Dravid and Allan Border in the list of players with the most fifties in Test cricket. 

With this milestone, Root now stands third on the all-time list, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

---

ALSO READ

5 Current Players With Best Ever ICC Ratings In Tests

---

Root's consistency in red-ball cricket has been remarkable, especially under the leadership of Brendon McCullum. Currently the world's top-ranked Test batter, Root has amassed 12,131 runs in 144 Tests, including 32 centuries. His recent form has been exceptional, as he continues to lead the run-scoring charts in the ICC World Test Championship.

Most fifties in Test cricket

This latest achievement also brings Root closer to breaking Alastair Cook's record for the most Test runs by an Englishman. Root is just 341 runs away from surpassing Cook’s all-time record, further cementing his legacy as one of England's greatest cricketers. 

Among active players, Root is the highest run-getter in Tests, with Australia's Steve Smith following with 9,685 runs.

---

ALSO READ

Stuart Broad On Harry Brook: 'The Joe Root In Making For England'

---