**Joe Root: A Cricketing Masterpiece in Test History** In a display of remarkable skill and composure, Joe Root has etched his name into the annals of Test cricket history, surpassing Alastair Cook to become England's leading run-scorer. With a typically understated approach, Root celebrated his 35th Test century during England's fightback against Pakistan in Multan, reaching the milestone with a beautifully executed on-driven four that brought his score to 71 before lunch on the third day. Root's batting repertoire is vast, offering him countless ways to score runs—whether it be a square drive through the covers, a clip off the pads through midwicket, a deft guide down to third man, or even the occasionally controversial reverse ramp. Any of these shots would have been a fitting tribute to his achievement of overtaking Cook's impressive tally of 12,472 Test runs. Cook held the record for nine years, having surpassed Graham Gooch's previous mark of 8,900 runs in 2015. During his illustrious career, Cook amassed runs with a relentless determination, but he was also aware that he was paving the way for Root, his teammate and protégé. As Root continues to build on his remarkable legacy, there is little doubt that he has more milestones ahead of him, further solidifying his status as one of England's greatest batsmen.