England and India are set to face off once again in the traditional battle of Test cricket, which kicks off on June 20 at the historic Headingley Stadium in Leeds.
Excitement is already running high around this five-match series, especially since it will be played at a venue deeply rooted in the pride and history of English cricket. At the same time, this match will also mark the beginning of the fourth edition of the ICC World Test Championship.
Although England and India are beginning their journey in the new World Test Championship cycle, a familiar storyline seems to be returning — Joe Root vs India. But this time, it’s not just about scoring runs. Root has his eyes set on making history as he chases an extraordinary world record
Root’s love story with Indian bowlers could continue again. Joe Root has always enjoyed batting against India, and the numbers prove it. He has scored a massive 2846 runs in just 30 Tests against them, with an average of 58.08.
Now, he stands just 154 runs away from becoming the first player in history to score 3000 Test runs against India. Think about that. Not Sachin Tendulkar. Not Ricky Ponting. Not even Steve Smith. No one has done it.
If Root starts the series well, and with five Tests on home soil, he has the perfect platform, there is every chance he could cross that milestone early in the series.
Root’s consistency against India isn’t just about volume. He also knows how to make a name for himself. He has already scored 10 centuries against India in Tests, the second most by any batter.
The only man ahead of him? Steve Smith, with 11 hundreds, including two in Australia’s 2023-24 Border-Gavaskar Trophy win. But with a long series ahead, and Root’s track record, don’t be surprised if he goes past Smith, too.
Root’s form will be crucial for England’s WTC campaign. They are starting fresh in the new cycle and would love nothing more than to begin with a strong showing against a top side like India. With Ben Stokes still returning to full fitness and some uncertainty around England’s top order, Root becomes the rock they will build around.
Root’s form will be crucial for England’s WTC campaign. They are starting fresh in the new cycle and would love nothing more than to begin with a strong showing against a top side like India. With Ben Stokes still returning to full fitness and some uncertainty around England’s top order, Root becomes the rock they will build around.
He has done it before, whether it was the double century in Chennai or his brilliant strokeplay at Lord’s, and India know better than anyone just how dangerous he can be when he gets going.
