As England gear up to host India for the five-match Test series starting June 20 at Headingley, one name that will draw particular attention is Joe Root. The Yorkshireman has been the backbone of England’s Test batting lineup for over a decade.
And his record against India speaks volumes. Root is not just England’s highest run-scorer in Tests; he is now within touching distance of some of the format’s greatest-ever milestones.
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Root enters the series with 13,006 Test runs. If he scores 373 runs across these five matches, he will surpass Ricky Ponting (13,378 runs) to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history - behind only Sachin Tendulkar.
But there is another chase that Root is silently running - this time behind Rahul Dravid. Among players with at least 1,500 runs in the India-England rivalry, Dravid leads the average charts at 60.93.
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Root - with 2,846 runs at 58.08 - is not far behind. A couple of good knocks this series could see him overtake the Indian legend.
What is Joe Root's record against India in Tests?
Root has always enjoyed playing against India, and the numbers back it up. In 30 Tests against them, he has scored 2,846 runs at an impressive average of 58.08.
That includes 10 centuries and 11 half-centuries. His highest score against India is 218.
| Tests | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 2,846 | 58.08 | 10 | 11 | 218 |
In home conditions, he is even more dominant. Across 15 Tests in England, Root has scored 1,574 runs at an impressive average of 74.95.
What is Joe Root's Test record for England?
Root is already England’s most prolific batter in Test cricket. In 153 matches, he has scored over 13,000 runs.
| Tests | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 153 | 13,006 | 50.80 | 36 | 65 | 262 |
He ended the last World Test Championship cycle with nearly 2,000 runs at an average of 54.66. Currently, he also leads the all-time WTC run tally with 5,543 runs.
Full schedule of the upcoming India tour of England 2025
| Test | Date | Time (IST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | June 20 - June 24 | 03:30 PM | Leeds |
| 2nd Test | July 2 - July 6 | 03:30 PM | Birmingham |
| 3rd Test | July 10 - July 14 | 03:30 PM | Lord's |
| 4th Test | July 23 - July 27 | 03:30 PM | Manchester |
| 5th Test | July 31 - August 4 | 03:30 PM | The Oval |