Joe Root Surpasses 23,000 International Runs in Memorable Match Against Sri Lanka

Chester-le-Street, September 23 (Daily Kiran) : In a remarkable display of skill, Joe Root achieved a significant milestone on September 23, 2026, during the first ODI match between England and Sri Lanka at Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street. The celebrated England batsman completed 23,000 runs in international cricket, making this match one to remember.Root scored 44 runs in the game, reaching the 23,000-run mark with his third run of the innings. This achievement places him second on the list for the fastest players to reach 23,000 international runs, having done so in 521 innings—one innings fewer than the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who needed 522 innings. Currently, the record for the fastest 23,000 runs in international cricket belongs to Virat Kohli, who accomplished the feat in just 490 innings. With this latest achievement, Root becomes the first English cricketer and the eighth overall to cross the 23,000-run threshold.Across all formats, Root has played 394 matches and batted in 521 innings, amassing a total of 23,041 runs, which includes 61 centuries and 122 half-centuries. Breaking down his statistics by format, he has scored 14,278 runs in 169 Tests with 41 centuries and 69 half-centuries, 7,870 runs in 193 ODIs with 20 centuries and 48 half-centuries, and 893 runs in 32 T20 matches, including five half-centuries. In the match against Sri Lanka, England won the toss and opted to bat first.With contributions from captain Harry Brook, who scored 67, and Will Jacks, who added 46, England set a total of 265 runs in 48.1 overs. Sri Lanka, in response, was bowled out for 176 runs in just 37 overs, handing England a comprehensive victory by 89 runs.