Joe Root has set a new record as the highest run-scorer in the fourth innings of Test cricket, surpassing India’s legendary Sachin Tendulkar. This achievement came during England’s dominant eight-wicket win against New Zealand in the first Test at Hagley Oval. Playing his 150th Test, Root scored a quick 22 runs off 15 balls, helping England chase down a target of 104 in just 12.4 overs.
With this feat, Root’s fourth-innings tally stands at an impressive 1,630 runs, edging past Tendulkar’s 1,625 runs to claim the top spot. Former England captain Alastair Cook and South Africa’s Graeme Smith share third place with 1,611 runs each, while West Indies great Shivnarine Chanderpaul rounds out the top five with 1,580 runs.
Joe Root Becomes Highest Fourth-Innings Run-Scorer
Joe Root showcased his record-breaking prowess during the first Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, by becoming the highest run-scorer in the fourth innings of Test cricket. Root surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record during a brisk knock of 22 runs, which helped England secure a comfortable eight-wicket victory in the series opener.
Widely regarded as one of the finest batters in modern cricket, Root continues to rewrite records in the longest format of the game. While his innings at Hagley Oval wasn’t a massive one, it solidified his place in history as the leading scorer in fourth-innings chases. Root’s tally now stands at an impressive 1,630 runs, eclipsing Tendulkar’s previous record of 1,625 runs.
Root also surpassed former England captain Alastair Cook, who finished his career just shy of Tendulkar with 1,611 runs. Sharing the third spot with Cook is South African legend Graeme Smith, both tied at 1,611 runs. Completing the top five is West Indies great Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who accumulated 1,580 runs in fourth-innings battles.
This milestone adds another feather to Root’s illustrious cap as he continues to etch his name among the legends of Test cricket.
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Top Scorers in 4th Innings of Test Cricket
The fourth innings of a Test match is often the ultimate test of a batter’s skill and temperament. Check the table below for players with the most runs scored in this crucial phase:
| Top Scorers in 4th Innings of Test Cricket | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rank | Player | Runs |
| 1 | Joe Root | 1,630 |
| 2 | Sachin Tendulkar | 1,625 |
| 3 | Alastair Cook | 1,611 |
| 3 | Graeme Smith | 1,611 |
| 5 | Shivnarine Chanderpaul | 1,580 |
Joe Root leads the pack, surpassing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Alastair Cook with his outstanding performances in pressure situations.
Brydon Carse Career-Best Performance in England Victory
In only his third Test, Brydon Carse delivered a stunning performance, claiming career-best figures of 6 for 42 and achieving a remarkable ten-wicket haul with match figures of 10 for 106. His precision dismantled New Zealand’s lower order on Day 4, despite a resilient 84-run effort from Daryl Mitchell that briefly delayed England’s celebrations.
Debutant Jacob Bethell anchored the chase with an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls, hitting eight boundaries and a six. Bethell’s calm finish ensured England’s victory, sealed with a single to deep square leg.
Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett fell early, but Joe Root and Bethell stabilized the innings to avoid further setbacks. Duckett had earlier made an aggressive start with a quick 27 off 18 balls. Harry Brook, who dominated England’s first innings with a brilliant 171, wasn’t needed in the second innings.
New Zealand started the day at 155 for 6, leading by just four runs, facing relentless pressure from England’s bowlers. Tim Southee entertained with a brief cameo, smashing two sixes, while Mitchell fought hard to keep New Zealand afloat. However, Carse and Gus Atkinson quickly cleaned up the tail, with Chris Woakes taking a sharp catch to dismiss Mitchell and end New Zealand’s innings at 254.
There was a minor scare for England when captain Ben Stokes left the field due to lower back stiffness during the morning session. However, Stokes later assured fans of his fitness for the second Test in Wellington, alleviating concerns about his recurring back issues.
Heading into the second Test with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, England looks confident. Carse’s breakout performance, Root’s steady leadership, and Bethell’s memorable debut highlight a team in top form.
For New Zealand, the challenge is to regroup quickly and avoid losing the series. Veteran Tim Southee, playing his final home series, will aim for a strong finish to leave a lasting legacy.
The second Test begins Friday, promising another exciting chapter in this competitive series.
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FAQs
Q.1. What record did Joe Root achieve in the first Test against New Zealand?
Ans. Joe Root became the highest fourth-innings run-scorer in Test cricket, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar with a tally of 1,630 runs.
Q.2. How many runs did Joe Root score in the fourth innings to break the record?
Ans. Joe Root scored 22 runs off 15 balls during England’s chase of 104 in the first Test at Hagley Oval.
Q.3. Who are the top five run-scorers in the fourth innings of Test cricket?
Ans. The top five are Joe Root (1,630), Sachin Tendulkar (1,625), Alastair Cook (1,611), Graeme Smith (1,611), and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (1,580).
Q.4. What were Brydon Carse’s match figures in the first Test against New Zealand?
Ans. Brydon Carse achieved match figures of 10 for 106, including a career-best 6 for 42 in the second innings.
Q.5. When does the second Test between England and New Zealand begin?
Ans. The second Test is scheduled to begin on Friday in Wellington, continuing the three-match series.
