As the cricket world turns its eyes to The Oval, anticipation is building for the fifth and final Test between England and India, set to commence on July 31, 2025. With England leading the series 2-1, a draw would secure the series victory for the hosts, while India must win to level the series and retain the coveted Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. This match promises not only a thrilling contest but also the opportunity for England’s batting maestro Joe Root to etch his name deeper into cricketing lore.
Root’s recent form has been nothing short of spectacular. Following back-to-back centuries in the third and fourth Tests at Lord’s and Old Trafford, he has firmly positioned himself as the linchpin of England’s batting lineup. His innings of 150 at Old Trafford was particularly historic, as it propelled him past Australian legends Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, and Rahul Dravid to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history with 13,409 runs. Only the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, with 15,921 runs, remains ahead.
Beyond this monumental achievement, Root is closing in on several other records. He currently boasts 23 Test centuries on home soil, a tally that equals Ponting, Kallis, and Mahela Jayawardene. Should he score a century at The Oval, he would become the first player ever to notch 24 Test hundreds on home turf, a feat that would set him apart in cricket history. Additionally, Root is tantalizingly close to reaching 2,000 Test runs against India in England, holding 1,977 runs from 19 home Tests, a record for an English player against the visitors.
In the context of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), Root stands atop the charts with 5,946 runs and needs just 54 more to become the first player ever to surpass 6,000 runs in the competition’s history. This milestone would further cement his status as one of the game’s finest in the modern era. Australia’s Steve Smith trails at a distant second with 4,278 runs, highlighting Root’s dominance in this format.
Root’s impact extends beyond batting statistics. He has topped the charts for most catches in this series, underscoring his all-around contribution to England’s cause. His consistency is remarkable; over seven innings from four matches, with one not out, he has amassed 403 runs at an average of 67.16, including two centuries and a fifty. With just one game remaining, he aims to conclude the series on a high note.
Despite these staggering numbers and the proximity to Tendulkar’s hallowed record, former England captain Jos Buttler has offered a grounded perspective on Root’s mindset. Speaking on his YouTube channel For the Love of Cricket, Buttler dismissed the notion that Root is actively chasing Tendulkar’s record. “He’s not hunting down Sachin Tendulkar because that’s not the way he plays his cricket or how he sees it,” Buttler explained. “He is number two on an incredibly elite list and, if he stays fit, surpassing Tendulkar is certainly possible, but that’s not where his head is at.”
Buttler emphasized that Root’s primary motivation lies in team success rather than personal milestones. “That’s not how Joe operates,” he said. “He’s always thinking about the next ball, the next innings. Records might come, but he’s motivated by the team’s success.” This team-first attitude resonates throughout England’s camp as they seek to regain the series after a disappointing 4-1 defeat in India last year.
The stakes for India are equally high. A victory at The Oval would allow them to level the series 2-2, retaining the trophy and avoiding a third consecutive Test series defeat—a scenario that has not occurred for 11 years. India has shown resilience, particularly in the fourth Test, where they fought hard to keep the series alive. The fifth Test represents a crucial juncture for both sides, with England aiming to clinch the series and India desperate to extend the contest.
While Root pursues these milestones, the broader ICC rankings also reflect dynamic shifts. On the Test batting front, Root’s lead at the top of the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings has increased following his stellar performances. India’s wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant moved up one spot to seventh, bolstered by his half-century in Manchester despite battling injury. Conversely, his teammate Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped three places to eighth. England’s Ben Stokes climbed three places to third among Test all-rounders, while India’s Jasprit Bumrah retained his position as the No.1 ranked Test bowler.
In the shorter formats, Indian player Abhishek Sharma joined Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav as the third Indian to hold the No.1 spot in the T20I batting rankings. This came as Australia’s Travis Head relinquished the top position after more than a year. Australia’s team enjoyed significant gains following a 5-0 sweep over the West Indies, with players like Josh Inglis, Tim David, and Cameron Green climbing the ranks substantially.
Meanwhile, in the One Day International (ODI) rankings, India’s Shubman Gill maintains his No.1 batting position, with Pakistan’s Babar Azam holding second place despite dropping to No.14 in the ODI rankings. Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka and Kusal Mendis made notable advances, climbing to sixth and tenth positions respectively. On the bowling front, Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana remains the top-ranked ODI bowler, with teammate Wanindu Hasaranga making a significant leap to eighth. Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi slipped one spot to 12th.
Returning to Root’s journey, his pursuit of cricketing immortality is underscored by his remarkable skill and consistency. He has become the first player to score 3,000 Test runs against India and holds the record for most Test runs by an England player on home soil. Moreover, he is close to surpassing Tendulkar’s record for most Test half-centuries, needing just three more 50+ scores to overtake the Indian legend.
As the cricketing world watches, the fifth Test at The Oval promises to be a defining moment for Joe Root and both teams. Whether Root will break new records or help England secure the series, one thing is certain: his legacy is already firmly established among the greats of the game. The match is set to be a captivating chapter in a series that has showcased resilience, skill, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.