Despite the crushing 423-run loss that New Zealand gave to England in the third Test at Seddon Park, Hamilton, Joe Root has been showing off some exceptional form with the bat. He scored a solid half-century in the fourth innings when England were trying to chase down an enormous target of 658 runs.
Although England were bowled out for 234, a lifeline was provided by the fluid 54 of Root as he went on to partner debutant Jacob Bethell crucially for 104 at the third wicket before Bethell, gritty as ever, scored 76 on debut. Bethell’s first few series were memorable in helping England clinch a 2-1 series win.
Joe Root has made history as the first visiting batsman to make 1000 runs in New Zealand. In total, over 12 matches and 22 innings in the country, Root has amassed 1006 runs at a tremendous average of 50.30, which includes three centuries.
Root’s record also breaks the record of Javed Miandad for most runs in Test by a batsman against New Zealand. Root has now 1925 runs in 21 matches against Black Caps surpassing Miandad’s tally of 1919 runs in 18 matches.
Also Read: Joe Root Breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s Record in Test Cricket
This is just one day after Kane Williamson became the first batter to score 5000 runs and 20 centuries on New Zealand soil. Root ends the year with 1556 runs in 17 matches, including six centuries, which ranks as the 7th highest in Test cricket history for runs scored in a calendar year.
