England achieved a historic milestone in Test cricket on Saturday during the second Test against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve, becoming the first team to surpass 500,000 Test runs.
The monumental feat came in their second innings on Day 2 as they extended their lead after dismissing New Zealand for 125 in reply to their 280-run first innings.
The landmark run was scored by first-innings centurion Harry Brook, who lofted New Zealand seamer William O’Rourke over mid-off for two runs in the 51st over of England’s innings.
By the end of the day’s play, England’s aggregate in Test cricket stood at 500,126 runs from 1,082 matches and 18,954 individual innings, a record unmatched in the sport’s 147-year history.
Australia, England’s traditional rivals, are second on the list with almost 429,000 runs in 868 Tests since 1877. India follow with 278,751 runs from 586 matches, while the West Indies (270,429 in 582 matches) and South Africa (218,108 in 470 matches) complete the top five.
England also lead in centuries scored, with 929 tons in the format. They are followed by Australia (893), India (552), the West Indies (502), and Pakistan (433).
This historic moment underscores England’s dominance and longevity in the Test arena as pioneers of the game.
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