Star England batter Joe Root surpassed Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar to become the leading run-scorer in the fourth innings of Test cricket during England’s dominant eight-wicket win over New Zealand in the first Test at Hagley Oval.

Joe Root Surpasses Sachin Tendulkar

Root, playing in his 150th Test match, contributed a quick-fire 22 off 15 balls as England chased down a modest target of 104 in just 12.4 overs, clinching a comprehensive victory. With this performance, Root now holds the record for the most runs in the fourth innings, amassing an impressive 1,630 runs, while Tendulkar, with 1,625 runs, drops to second place. Alastair Cook and Graeme Smith are tied in third, each with 1,611 runs, followed by West Indian great Shivnarine Chanderpaul in fifth with 1,580 runs.

NZ Vs ENG: Brydon Carse’s Stunning Bowling

On the fourth day, Brydon Carse, in only his third Test, produced a career best of 6 for 42 to complete a rare overseas ten wicket haul with match figures of 10 for 106. Highly accurate bowling tore into New Zealand’s lower order, despite a resilient 84 from Daryl Mitchell that delayed England’s celebrations. On the chase, debutant Jacob Bethell sealed the win with an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls, hitting eight boundaries and a six. His composed innings guided England to victory, fittingly finishing the match with a single to deep square leg.

Although openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett fell early, Root and Bethell ensured the chase remained steady. Duckett had earlier set a positive tone with a fiery 27 off 18 balls, and Harry Brook, who played a pivotal role in England’s first innings with a knock of 171, didn’t need to bat again.