Here's how Joe Root has fared at The Oval (Tests)
What's the story
Joe Root will lead England in the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval, replacing Ben Stokes. The decision comes after Stokes and pacer Gus Atkinson broke the team's midnight curfew and were allegedly involved in a nightclub brawl. This is Root's first time captaining the Test side since stepping down in 2022. Meanwhile, Root has fared well at The Oval in the past. On this note, let's decode his Test stats at the venue.
Stats
Over 900 runs at the venue
Root has had a decent run at The Oval in Test cricket. Across 12 Tests here, he has racked up 927 runs at a fine average of 44.14, as per ESPNcricinfo. His tally includes three tons, four half-centuries, and a highest score of 149*. Notably, Root is the fifth-highest run-scorer on this ground. The talisman's last outing here saw him score 29 and 105 against India. Meanwhile, Root will be playing his first Test against the Kiwis at The Oval.
Leadership stats
Most Test matches as England captain
Coming to his leadership credentials, Root has captained England in 64 Test matches, the most by any player in this format. He has won 27, lost 26, and drawn 11 of these matches. As captain, Root has scored 5,295 runs across 118 innings at an average of 46.44. His record includes 14 centuries and 26 fifties, but also eight ducks. Root would be raring to enhance these numbers.
Match statistics
14,000 Test runs loading for Root
In the ongoing series against New Zealand, Root scored 1 and 8 in the first match. However, his overall record against the Kiwis is impressive, having tallied 1,934 runs in 22 matches at an average of nearly 51. Moreover, the upcoming game could see Root become the second batter after the great Sachin Tendulkar (15,921) to complete 14,000 Test runs. The former's current tally stands at a whopping 13,952 runs from 164 matches at an impressive average of 50.73 (100s: 41, 50s: 66).