Joe Root on the verge of history, Ricky Ponting’s all-time record in sight
England cricketer Joe Root is set to return to the captaincy for a three-Test series against Pakistan, with several major batting records within reach. He aims to surpass Ricky Ponting for the most Test runs scored on home soil.
Why it matters
Root's potential to break long-standing international cricket records is a significant milestone in the sport's history.
Joe Root will return to the England captaincy for the first time since Ben Stokes’ retirement when the hosts begin their three-Test series against Pakistan at Headingley on Wednesday.The first Test carries added significance for Root, who will lead England at his home ground in Leeds with the opportunity to break Ricky Ponting’s record for the most Test runs scored at home.Root has accumulated 7,500 runs in 153 Test innings on home soil. He needs 79 more in the opening Test to move past Ponting, who finished with 7,578 runs from 154 innings across 92 Tests in Australia.A score of 79 or more would take Root to the top of the all-time home Test run-scoring charts, ahead of Ponting.
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