With Cook's 12,472 runs from 161 matches in sight, Root was just a few innings away from breaking the record. That moment came during the first Test against Pakistan in Multan, played on a flat batting track that provided the perfect setting for his milestone achievement.
On the third day of the match, Root, batting on 67, drove the ball straight past bowler Aamer Jamal, sealing his place at the top of England's cricket history, even in front of a modest crowd. This record is likely to stand for a long time.