Joe Root becomes highest home run-scorer in Test cricket

England Test captain Joe Root has become the highest run-scorer in Test cricket on home soil, surpassing the long-standing record held by Australia's Ricky Ponting. The milestone was achieved during England's second Test against Pakistan at Lord's in London, with Root reaching the mark on Friday, August 28, 2026. Needing 13 runs to overtake Ponting's tally of 7,578 runs scored in Australia, Root made four in the first innings before scoring 24 off 37 balls in the second innings to claim the record. This was his 89th Test match on English soil. According to official statistics, Root now has 7,594 runs in home Tests at an average of 53.