Most Runs For England In Home Tests

Root became the batter with the most Test runs in England (X)Root became the batter with the most Test runs in England (X)

Joe Root made headlines at Lord's on Thursday, smashing a record-breaking century in the second Test against Sri Lanka. With his 33rd Test hundred, Root equalled Alastair Cook's record for the most centuries by an English batsman.

At 33, Root is in the form of his life, scoring his 49th international century and overtaking Indian skipper Rohit Sharma on the list of players with the most international tons.

But that’s not all—Root also leapfrogged Alastair Cook to become the highest run-scorer on English soil in Test cricket. As we savour this remarkable achievement, let’s dive into the top five England batsmen with the most runs at home in Test cricket.

5. Alec Stewart – 4650 Runs

Alec Stewart (X)Alec Stewart (X)

Alec Stewart, the man who epitomised versatility and grit, stands tall as England’s fifth-highest run-scorer in home Tests.

Over the course of his illustrious career, Stewart played 74 Tests on home soil, amassing 4650 runs at an average of 40.78 with eight hundreds and 22 fifties.

Stewart's contribution was not just in his runs, but in the way he could switch between roles—opening the batting or playing in the middle order, and even donning the wicketkeeping gloves. 

4. Michael Atherton – 4716 Runs

Michael Atherton (X)Michael Atherton (X)

Known for his iron will to withstand even the most testing conditions, Michael Atherton comes in at number four with 4716 runs in 67 home Tests, averaging 38.97.

Atherton, often facing the new ball against some of the best fast bowlers in the world, was the very definition of a stubborn opener. The right-hander scored nine hundreds and 31 fifties in England

His ability to dig in and play the long game, particularly in England's seaming and swinging conditions, earned him the nickname "The Cockroach"—a player who could survive the toughest of spells.

3. Graham Gooch - 5917 Runs

Graham Gooch (X)Graham Gooch (X)

Graham Gooch, a giant of English cricket, ranks third on this list with 5917 runs at an impressive average of 46.22 in 74 home Tests.

Gooch’s career was marked by his technical proficiency and his mental toughness, attributes that were on full display during his highest score of 333 against India at Lord's in 1990.

Gooch’s consistency and his capacity to lead from the front, often carrying the burden of England’s batting on his broad shoulders, made him one of the most revered batsmen of his era.

2. Sir Alastair Cook - 6568 Runs

Alastair Cook (X)Alastair Cook (X)

England’s most capped Test player, Alastair Cook, occupies the second spot with 6568 runs in 89 home Tests, averaging 44.37. He scored 15 tons and 32 half-centuries in English conditions.

Cook’s methodical approach and incredible concentration were his trademarks, allowing him to compile runs with a sense of inevitability.

As a left-handed opener, Cook's contribution was invaluable, particularly in setting the foundation for England’s innings, and his legacy as one of England’s greatest is firmly cemented.

1. Joe Root – 6598 Runs

Joe Root (X)Joe Root (X)

Topping the list is the current torchbearer of English batting, Joe Root, who has amassed 6598 runs in 77 home Tests at an extraordinary average of 55.34 along with 20 centuries and 32 fifties.

Root’s elegant stroke play along with his ability to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking, makes him a difficult batsman to bowl to in any conditions, but particularly in England where he has been an absolute beast.

Root’s consistency and his knack for producing runs when his team needs them the most have made him the lynchpin of England’s batting lineup in recent years.