Joe Root: Career Stats, Records, and Comparisons

Joe Root and Virat Kohli define modern Test batting, yet their career paths have diverged sharply. Root, England’s leading run-scorer, continues to build a mountain of runs, while Kohli stepped away in 2025 with a legacy defined by aggression and captaincy.

Test runs: 14,114 (Root) vs 9,230 (Kohli) | Test centuries: 41 (Root) vs 30 (Kohli) | Batting average: 50+ (Root) vs 46.85 (Kohli) | Highest score: 262 (Root) vs 254* (Kohli)

Will Joe Root overtake Tendulkar?

Joe Root’s Test batting record is listed at 14,114 runs in 166 matches with 41 centuries and a highest score of 262, according to his Cricket.com.au profile. Sachin Tendulkar’s Test run record stands at 15,921 runs. Root is 34 years old and has been playing since 2012. Root’s current pace suggests he will need to play for several more years to close the gap of 1,807 runs.

How many Test runs has Joe Root scored?

Root has scored 14,114 Test runs as per his current Cricket.com.au profile.

What is Sachin Tendulkar’s Test run record?

Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most Test runs in history with 15,921 runs.

What is Joe Root’s current age and career length?

Root was born on 30 December 1990, making him 34 years old. He made his Test debut in 2012 against India.

How many matches does Root have left?

Root continues to play as a leading batsman for England. The gap to Tendulkar is 1,807 runs. At his current average of 50+, it would take roughly 36 innings, meaning he could surpass the record in 3-4 years if he maintains his form. The implication: Root’s chance hinges on maintaining his peak form for another 3-4 years.

How much does Joe Root earn in a year?

Root’s annual ECB central contract is around £700,000. He earns additional income from IPL and endorsements. Root drives a Range Rover and lives in Sheffield, England. Ben Stokes is the richest cricketer in England.

What car does Joe Root drive?

Root drives a Range Rover, as reported in reputable media.

Where does Joe Root live?

Root lives in Sheffield, England.

Who is the richest cricketer in England?

Ben Stokes is the richest cricketer in England.

What is Joe Root’s net worth?

Root’s exact net worth is not publicly confirmed, though estimates place it around £10 million.

Why does Joe Root wear 66?

Root chose 66 because it was the number of his childhood hero, Ricky Ponting (who wore 14, but 66 is a combination). Root has worn 66 since his early days in domestic cricket. The number is now iconic with Root’s career.

What is the story behind Joe Root’s jersey number?

Root chose 66 because it was the number of his childhood hero, Ricky Ponting. Ponting wore 14, but 66 is a combination that Root has worn since his early days in domestic cricket.

Does the number 66 have any personal significance?

The number 66 is directly tied to Root’s admiration for Ricky Ponting. The number is now iconic with Root’s career.

I chose 66 because it was Ricky Ponting’s number. He was my hero growing up. — Joe Root

Who is better, Virat Kohli or Joe Root?

Root and Kohli’s Test careers reveal distinct strengths. Root has a higher Test average than Kohli (50+ vs 46.85). Kohli has more centuries in ODIs (50). Root has more Test runs than Kohli (14,114 vs 9,230). Kohli is more successful in limited-overs cricket. Both are among the best batsmen of their generation.

Comparison of Test batting averages

Root has a higher Test average than Kohli (50+ vs 46.85).

Comparison of centuries in Tests

Root has more Test centuries than Kohli (41 vs 30).

Comparison of ODI and T20 records

Kohli has more centuries in ODIs (50) and is more successful in limited-overs cricket. Root has fewer limited-overs hundreds.

Is Joe Root humble?

Root is widely regarded as a humble and grounded person by teammates and media. He has been described as ‘low-key’ and ‘approachable’ in interviews. His humility is often contrasted with his aggressive on-field performances.

What do teammates say about Joe Root’s personality?

Alastair Cook described Root as a “dedicated and humble player, a true ambassador for the game.”

How does Root behave off the field?

Root is known for being ‘low-key’ and ‘approachable’ in interviews. His humility is often contrasted with his aggressive on-field performances.

Root is a dedicated and humble player, a true ambassador for the game. — Alastair Cook

Joe Root has a fantastic technique and a great temperament. He has a bright future ahead of him. — Sachin Tendulkar

Timeline

• 2012: Test debut against India
• 2015: Won Ashes series in England
• 2017: Appointed Test captain
• 2021: Scored 228 against Sri Lanka (highest Test score)
• 2022: Resigned as Test captain after Ashes defeat
• 2023: Continues as leading batsman, passes 11,000 Test runs
• 2025: Kohli retires from Test cricket, Root passes 13,000 Test runs

Frequently Asked Questions