Joe Root Reacts After Crossing 14,000 Test Runs: ‘They’re Never Really Your Runs’

Rishi Gupta
4 Min Read
England's Joe Root plays a shot on the fourth day of the second cricket Test match between England and New Zealand at The Oval in London on June 20, 2026. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)

England batter Joe Root has once again created history in Test cricket. During the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval, Root became only the second player in the history of the format to score more than 14,000 Test runs. The achievement placed him alongside cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in an exclusive club.

While fans and experts celebrated the milestone, Root’s response showed the humility that has defined his career. His words after reaching the landmark quickly became a talking point across the cricket world.

Joe Root 14000 Test Runs Milestone

The historic moment came when Root took a single off New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry during England’s fourth innings. The crowd at The Oval stood up to applaud the achievement, while players in the dressing room also celebrated the special occasion.

With this achievement, Joe Root 14000 test runs became one of the biggest milestones in modern cricket. Root reached the landmark in his 165th Test match and is now second on the all time list of Test run-scorers.

Only Sachin Tendulkar remains ahead of him with 15,921 runs. Root has already moved past several greats of the game, including Ricky Ponting, Rahul Dravid, and Jacques Kallis.

Joe Root Reaction After Milestone

Despite the historic achievement, Root remained focused on the team rather than personal success. Speaking after the match, he delivered a humble message that reflected his approach to cricket.

“They’re never really your runs. You’re just looking after them for the next guy, or you’re just trying to do your bit for the team in that moment. It’s a nice milestone, but it’s hard to really enjoy it when you are in the position we are in the game.”

The Joe Root reaction after milestone impressed many fans because it highlighted his team first attitude. Instead of celebrating his personal record, Root was more concerned about England’s situation in the match.

A Tough Match for England

Root’s milestone came during a difficult period for England. Regular captain Ben Stokes was unavailable for the match, which meant Root returned as interim captain.

England faced a huge target of 463 runs in the fourth innings. When Root came to the crease, the team was struggling at 13 for 2. He fought hard and scored 75 not out on Day 4 before eventually being dismissed for 77 on Day 5.

Despite his efforts, New Zealand secured a convincing 253 run victory to level the Test series.

Can Root Catch Tendulkar’s Record?

Root’s remarkable consistency continues to fuel discussions about whether he can eventually break Tendulkar’s all-time Test run record. As the only active player close to the top of the list, he remains a strong contender to challenge the Indian great’s mark in the coming years.

Conclusion

The Joe Root 14000 test runs milestone is another chapter in an extraordinary career. However, it was the Joe Root reaction after milestone that truly stood out. His humble words reminded everyone that team success remains more important to him than individual records, making the achievement even more special.

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