Multan

Former cricketer Michael Atherton praised Joe Root for becoming England’s highest run-scorer in Test cricket, calling him an absolute champion. Root surpassed Alastair Cook’s record during the first Test against Pakistan in Multan, reaching the milestone on day three after scoring 71 runs. Root now holds the record with 12,473 Test runs, edging past Cook’s 12,472.

Speaking to source, Atherton admired Root’s consistency over the years and celebrated the way he achieved the record with a classic Root-like shot. He described it as a beautiful moment, adding that Root’s career has been marked by 12 years of excellence. Atherton recalled watching Root’s debut in Nagpur, where he immediately recognized Root’s potential to become one of England’s greatest players. Root’s ability to maintain high performance throughout his career has been a hallmark of his success.

England’s dressing room applauded Root’s achievement, recognizing the significance of the milestone. At lunch on day three, England was 232/2, with Root unbeaten on 72 and Ben Duckett on 80. Pakistan had earlier posted a total of 556 in their first innings, with top scorers Abdullah Shafique (102), Shan Masood (151), and Agha Salman (104).