Cook becomes leading run-scorer in international Test cricket for England

The England cricket team finally seems to have find some good form. With James Anderson claiming his 400 scalp yesterday, it was captain Alastair Cook’s turn to rise and shine today. The left-handed batsman has surpassed Graham Gooch to become the highest run-scorer for England in international Test cricket.

The illustrious moment in Cook’s career came on the third delivery of the 27 over on the second day of the Headingley Test. Cook struck Tim Southee for a crisp square drive, going past his mentor and old friend Gooch’s long standing 21-year-old record.

Gooch had the set the national record for most runs in international Test cricket in 1995 at 8,900 runs. The current 30-year-old England captain is batting solidly at 71* off 155 balls at the time of writing this article.

Earlier New Zealand had scored 350 runs in the first innings with Luke Ronchi impressing on debut. Since then, it has been a Cook and Lyth show, with the duo adding 163* runs for the opening partnership. New Zealand bowlers have bowled well in patches, but haven’t troubled the openers whatsoever.

The list of top-10 run-scorers in international Test cricket for England: