Joe Root Surpasses Sachin Tendulkar to Record Most Half Centuries in Test Cricket
England captain Joe Root has made history by surpassing Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most half-centuries in Test cricket. Root registered his 69th Test fifty (62 runs) in the 3rd Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston on September 12, 2026, as England secured an 8-wicket victory and a 3-0 series whitewash.
England's Test captain, Joe Root, has achieved a monumental milestone in his illustrious career, becoming the outright holder of the record for the most half-centuries in Test cricket. His gritty knock of 62 runs in the second innings of the third and final Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston saw him register his 69th Test fifty, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record of 68 half-centuries. Babar Azam Completes 2,000 WTC Runs as Captain, Becomes Third-Fastest To Achieve Milestone.
Joe Root Breaks Sachin Tendulkar's Test Half-Century Record
The historic achievement came as England completed a comprehensive 3-0 clean sweep of the Pakistan tour of England 2026, wrapping up the third Test with an emphatic eight-wicket victory on Friday, September 12, 2026.
Joe Root's Record-Breaking Feat
Root's journey to this record has been one of remarkable consistency. He had previously equaled Tendulkar's tally of 68 Test fifties during the first Test of the same series at Headingley, where he scored 66 runs on August 20, 2026. Just weeks later, in the decisive third Test, Root's 69-ball 62 ensured he moved past the 'Little Master' to stand alone at the pinnacle of this particular Test batting record. This latest milestone further solidifies Root's status as one of England's greatest ever batsmen and a modern-day Test legend.
England's Dominant Series Performance
The match, which commenced on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM local time at Edgbaston, Birmingham, saw England exert their dominance from the outset. After bowling Pakistan out for 133 in their first innings, England posted a formidable 453. Pakistan's second innings saw them score 449, setting England a target of just 130 runs. England chased down the target comfortably, losing only two wickets in the process, with Jordan Cox also contributing a fine half-century (59 off 76 balls) alongside Root. The 8-wicket victory sealed a memorable series whitewash, with England winning all three Tests against Pakistan.
This series victory, with Root at the helm as captain (a role he resumed at the start of this series), marks a significant statement from the English side. Root himself was fittingly at the crease to see his team over the line, underlining his leadership and batting prowess.
Key Statistics
| Player | Test Half-Centuries |
|---|---|
| Joe Root | 69 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 68 |
Joe Root's ability to consistently convert starts into significant contributions has been a hallmark of his career, and this record is a testament to his enduring quality in the longest format of the game. His record-breaking innings also capped off a perfect series for England, leaving fans eager to see what further milestones the prolific right-hander will achieve. Ollie Robinson Reaches 100-Wicket Milestone in Tests, Achieves Feat During PAK vs ENG 3rd Test 2026.
Match Summary
- Match: 3rd Test, Pakistan tour of England 2026
- Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
- Match Start: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 11:00 AM LOCAL
- Result: England won by 8 wickets
- Series: England won the series 3-0
Root's historic achievement will undoubtedly be celebrated across the cricketing world, cementing his legacy as one of the game's true greats and a record-breaker in his own right.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 12, 2026 05:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).