Will Edgbaston specialist Joe Root pile on more runs against India?

Joe Root will hope to continue his fine form at Edgbaston, his favourite ground for scoring runs, where his excellent record, both at this ground and against India, proves just how good he is. As England gear up to reinforce their hold on the five-match series against India starting July 2, they will once again look to their premier batter to lead the charge.

Root’s exploits at Edgbaston have been nothing short of prolific. He is not only England’s leading run-scorer at this venue but also holds the distinction of being the highest run-getter ever in Tests at this ground. Across nine Tests and 16 innings, he has amassed 920 runs at a remarkable average of 70.76, featuring three centuries and five half-centuries. His unbeaten 142 remains the standout among these innings. With just 80 more runs, Root is poised to etch his name even deeper into history by becoming the first player ever to notch up 1,000 Test runs at Edgbaston.

Root’s dominance isn’t confined to Edgbaston alone. His record against India underscores his stature as England’s modern batting giant. Already England’s highest run-scorer against India in Tests, Root is on the brink of achieving another milestone. Just 73 more runs will see him become the first English batter to cross the 3,000-run mark against India in Test cricket. Thus far, in 31 Tests and 57 innings, he has compiled 2,927 runs at an outstanding average of 58.54, peppered with 10 centuries and 12 fifties, with a career-best 218 against the visitors.

Recent history at Birmingham further accentuates Root’s prowess. Over his last three Tests at Edgbaston, he has piled up 424 runs in just five innings, averaging a staggering 141.33, which includes two centuries and a fifty. His unbeaten 142 continues to underline the challenges bowlers face when confronting him at this venue.

As the second Test approaches, an intriguing subplot emerges: can Root sustain his sparkling form against India and continue to chase the towering all-time mark of 15,921 Test runs set by Sachin Tendulkar? Having already steered England home with a composed half-century at Leeds, Root appears well on course, both for immediate records and his long-term pursuit of cricket’s most hallowed batting milestone.

This article first appeared on Mid Day