Making a record in Test cricket is considered a big achievement. It is very difficult to score runs in Tests. But there are some batsmen who have crossed the 10000 mark. Joe Root and Steve Smith are currently the only active batters who have surpassed 10,000 runs in Test cricket.
England Batter Joe Root
Root has established himself as one of the premier batsmen in Test cricket, currently holding a remarkable total of 12,972 runs at an average of 50.87. This achievement places him as the fifth-highest run-scorer in the history of Test cricket, surpassing his compatriot Alastair Cook, who accumulated 12,472.
Key Achievements of Joe Root
Centuries: Root has scored 36 centuries, making him the highest century-maker for England, equaling the record held by Rahul Dravid and trailing only behind legends like Sachin Tendulkar (51) and Ricky Ponting (41) in the all-time list.
Milestones: Root became the second-youngest player to reach 12,000 Test runs achieving this milestone at the age of 33 years and 210 days.
Root’s consistent performance and ability to score under pressure have solidified his legacy as one of England’s greatest cricketers.
Steve Smith
Steve Smith has officially joined the elite club of cricketers who have scored over 10,000 runs in Test matches. This milestone was achieved on January 29, 2025, during the first Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle, where he entered the game with a total of 9,999 runs. On his very first ball, he secured a single off bowler Prabath Jayasuriya, marking his 10,000th run and becoming the fourth Australian to reach this significant achievement, following legends Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting.
Key Achievements of Steve Smith
Historical Significance
Smith is now one of only 15 players globally to surpass 10,000 Test runs. His achievement places him among cricketing greats like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara.
Batting Average
At the time of reaching 10,000 runs, Smith’s Test batting average was an impressive 55.87, ranking him fourth among those who have crossed this mark.
Also Read: Highest Average in Test cricket (Min 10000 runs)
Reflecting on this achievement, Smith expressed satisfaction at finally reaching the milestone after narrowly missing it at his previous match at the Sydney Cricket Ground against India earlier in January.
Both players continue to be pivotal figures in international cricket, contributing significantly to their respective teams and setting benchmarks for future generations of cricketers.
