Joe Root is the closest to equalling or surpassing the great Sachin Tendulkar's run tally in Test cricket. The Englishman has reserved himself for the longer formats and is rarely unavailable for selection for the Test squad.

Joe Root became only the second batter in Test history to cross 14,000 runs during England's chase against New Zealand at The Oval. The milestone also made him the first player to score 2,000 Test runs against New Zealand as England fought to stay alive in the contest.

Englands hopes of denying New Zealand series-levelling victory in the second Test rest on the shoulders of Joe Root (75no), with the hosts 182-5 at stumps, 281 runs from an improbable victory; watch day five live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10.

Joe Root stands between England and defeat in the second Test against New Zealand on a day when absent captain Ben Stokes makes 95 for Durham.

Former England bowlers Steven Finn and Phil Tufnell pay tribute to Joe Root as the England batter became the second man after Indian great Sachin Tendulkar to reach 14,000 Test runs.

With a first-innings lead of 100 runs, the visitors ended day three with an overall lead of 352 runs and seven wickets still in hand.

The narrative surrounding the high-stakes England vs New Zealand series has taken a dramatic turn away from the boundary ropes. As both teams gear up for the crucial 2nd Test at London, the conversation dominating the buildup to this ENG vs NZ clash on Jun 17,