Joe Root has set a new record as England's highest run-scorer in Test cricket, surpassing Alastair Cook with a total of 12,578 runs during the first Test against Pakistan in Multan. Root's performance included a remarkable double century, his sixth in Test cricket, achieved off 305 balls, which places him among cricket legends such as Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting. Root also became the first player to score 5,000 runs in the World Test Championship and the second active cricketer, after Virat Kohli, to surpass 20,000 international runs. His achievements have fueled speculation he might eventually break Tendulkar's all-time Test record of 15,921 runs, a feat supported by Cook. Alongside his personal achievements, Root's innings were crucial in England's response to Pakistan's first innings score of 556, and his consistent performance and dedication have been praised by teammates.