Joe Root has reached yet another remarkable milestone in his illustrious cricketing career, becoming the first English player to score 7,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). The landmark was achieved during the second ODI against the West Indies at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, where Root delivered a masterclass in batting with an unbeaten 166 — his highest ODI score to date.
The innings not only helped England secure a thrilling three-wicket victory but also sealed the series 2-0 with one match to go. Root’s calm demeanor under pressure, along with his fluid stroke play, reminded fans why he has been one of the most dependable batters in modern-day cricket.
Having debuted in ODIs in 2013, Root quickly established himself as a cornerstone of England’s middle order. Over the past decade, he has built a reputation for elegant yet effective batting, capable of anchoring an innings or accelerating when required. His ability to adapt to different match scenarios has made him a consistent performer in the 50-over format.
Root’s record-breaking innings in Cardiff was a perfect showcase of his trademark qualities — patience, timing, and tactical awareness. Chasing a challenging target set by the West Indies, England found themselves in a precarious position at 84 for 4. It was then that Root took full control of the innings, forming crucial partnerships with the lower order and expertly pacing his knock.
His 166 not out came off 139 balls and included 19 boundaries and one six. More than just numbers, it was an innings of maturity and leadership, guiding England out of trouble and into victory. With this innings, he surpassed former captain Eoin Morgan’s tally of 6,957 runs, becoming England’s all-time leading run-scorer in ODIs.
Root’s overall ODI record now stands as a testament to his incredible consistency: over 7,000 runs at an average hovering around 50, with 18 centuries and numerous match-winning contributions. While England has seen many talented batters in white-ball cricket, Root’s ability to combine classical technique with modern aggression sets him apart.
Despite being seen by some as more suited to Test cricket, Root has proved time and again that he belongs among the elite in limited-overs formats. He was a central figure in England’s 2019 World Cup-winning campaign, and his latest milestone adds another feather to his cap.
Joe Root’s achievement comes at a time when England is transitioning in white-ball cricket, with younger talents coming in and senior players stepping away. His presence in the squad provides both experience and stability, making him an invaluable mentor for emerging players.
As England prepares for the final match of the series at The Oval, all eyes will remain on Root to see how far he can extend his record. What is already clear, however, is that Joe Root’s name will be etched in the record books for years to come — not just as a prolific scorer, but as one of the finest ODI cricketers England has ever produced.