Star batter Joe Root went past India legend Sachin Tendulkar as the leading run-scorer in the fourth innings of Test cricket during England’s commanding eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Hagley Oval. Root, playing his milestone 150th Test, contributed a brisk 22 off 15 balls as England chased down a modest target of 104 in just 12.4 overs, securing an emphatic win.
Root now leads the charts for the most runs in the fourth innings with a remarkable tally of 1,630 runs, with legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who amassed 1,625 runs, now second on the list. Alastair Cook and Graeme Smith share the third spot, each scoring 1,611 runs. WI great Shivnarine Chanderpaul completes the top five list with 1,580 runs.
Most runs in 4th innings in Test cricket
1630 – Joe Root
1625 – Sachin Tendulkar
1611 – Alastair Cook
1611 – Graeme Smith
1580 – Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Brydon Carse, in just his third Test, delivered a career-best 6 for 42, completing a rare overseas ten-wicket haul with his match figures of 10 for 106. Carse’s precision dismantled New Zealand’s lower order on the fourth day, despite resistance from Daryl Mitchell, whose valiant 84 delayed England’s celebrations. Jacob Bethell, making his debut, capped the chase with an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls, including eight boundaries and a six. His composed knock saw England over the line, fittingly with a single to deep square leg.
Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett fell early, but Root and Bethell ensured there were no further hiccups. Duckett had earlier set the tone with an explosive 27 off 18 balls, while Harry Brook, the architect of England’s first-innings dominance with 171, was not required to bat again.
New Zealand vs England, 1st Test Day 4: HIGHLIGHTS
New Zealand began the day at 155 for 6 with a slender lead of four runs and faced an uphill battle against England’s relentless bowling. Tim Southee’s entertaining cameo, featuring two sixes, and Mitchell’s determined knock offered brief hope. However, Carse and Gus Atkinson cleaned up the tail, with Chris Woakes taking a fine catch to dismiss Mitchell and seal the innings at 254.
There was a moment of worry about England when captain Ben Stokes left the field with stiffness in his lower back during the morning session. Though he later reassured fans he would be fit for the second Test in Wellington, the incident revived concerns about his fitness after similar issues during the Pakistan tour.
England head into the second Test in Wellington with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, brimming with confidence. With Root’s milestone, Carse’s breakthrough, and Bethell’s dream debut, England seem poised to continue their dominance.
New Zealand, on the other hand, must regroup quickly to salvage the series as veteran Tim Southee, playing his final home series, seeks a memorable farewell.
The next Test begins Friday, promising another thrilling encounter in this fiercely contested series.
