Joe Root put on a batting masterclass on Day 4 (Sunday, August 3) of the final Test at The Oval, scoring a brilliant century to bring England within touching distance of a series win. He not only led England’s chase but also hit some major personal milestones before rain cut the day short.
Joe Root Creates WTC History with 6,000-Plus Runs
England started the day at 50 for 1, chasing a huge target of 374 runs. India picked up two quick wickets before lunch, leaving England at 106 for 3. But Root and Harry Brook steadied the innings with a massive 195-run partnership that swung the momentum back in England’s favor.
Joe Root scored a composed 105 off 152 balls, hitting 12 boundaries along the way. He was eventually dismissed in the 73rd over by Prasidh Krishna, with England at 337 for 6. Shortly after, bad light and rain ended play early, setting up a tense final day. England now need just 35 more runs to win, while India need four more wickets to level the series.
During his innings, Joe Root also made history by becoming the first player to score over 6,000 runs in World Test Championship (WTC) history. He now has 6,080 runs at an impressive average of 52.86, including 21 centuries and 22 half-centuries. Australia’s Steve Smith is next on the list, with 4,278 runs from 55 matches.
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It’s all set for a thrilling finish on Day 5.
Here’s a look at the top run-scorers in the World Test Championship so far:
Joe Root – 6,080 runs in 69 matches (average 52.86) with 21 centuries and 22 fifties
Steve Smith – 4,278 runs in 55 matches (average 49.74) with 13 centuries and 19 fifties
Marnus Labuschagne – 4,225 runs in 53 matches (average 48.01) with 11 centuries and 22 fifties
Ben Stokes – 3,616 runs in 57 matches (average 37.66) with 8 centuries and 17 fifties
Travis Head – 3,300 runs in 52 matches (average 40.24) with 8 centuries and 15 fifties
Joe Root Climbs to Fourth on All-Time Century List
Joe Root hit another milestone with his determined century, marking the 13th time he has scored 50 or more in the fourth innings of a Test match.
He now joins an elite group that includes Graeme Smith, Chris Gayle, and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, all with 13 fourth-innings 50-plus scores. Root reached this mark in 53 fourth-innings appearances, moving past Sunil Gavaskar, who had 12.
This achievement once again shows Root’s reliability under pressure during tough chases.
He has also moved up to fourth place on the all-time Test century list.
ALSO READ: ENG vs IND: Watch – Joe Root Heated Clash With Prasidh Krishna At The Oval
