Star England batter Joe Root surpassed batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar as the leading run-scorer in the fourth innings of Test cricket during England's stunning eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Hagley Oval. Root, playing his milestone 150th Test, scored a brisk 22 off 15 balls as England chased down a modest target of 104 in just 12.4 overs, securing an convincing win.

Joe Root achieves a feat

However, Joe Root now leads the charts for the most runs in the fourth innings with 1,630 runs, with legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who smashed 1,625 runs, now second on the list. Alastair Cook and Graeme Smith share the third spot, each scoring 1,611 runs as well. WI great Shivnarine Chanderpaul placed at fifth in the list with 1,580 runs as well.

However, Brydon Carse, in his third Test, bowled his career-best spell of 6 for 42, completing a rare overseas ten-wicket haul with his match figures of 10 for 106 as well. Carse's bowling then dismantled New Zealand's lower order on the fourth day, despite resistance from Daryl Mitchell, whose steady 84 delayed England's win. Jacob Bethell, making his debut, scored an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls, including eight boundaries and a six. His composed knock saw England win, fittingly with a single to deep square leg as well.

Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett got out very early, but Joe Root and Bethell ensured there were no further dismissals as well. Duckett had earlier set the stage with a quick 27 off 18 balls, while Harry Brook, who smashed 171 in the first innings, was not required to bat again. New Zealand started the day at 155 for 6 with a slight lead of four runs and faced a tough battle against England's relentless bowling as well.

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England register a convincing win

Tim Southee's cameo, featuring two sixes, and Mitchell's determined knock showed some hope. However, Carse and Gus Atkinson removed the tail, with Chris Woakes taking a stunning catch to dismiss Mitchell and seal the innings at 254 as well.

However, during the match, England captain Ben Stokes left the field with stiffness in his lower back during the morning session. Though he later reassured that he would be fit for the second Test in Wellington later on.

Notably, England head into the second Test in Wellington with a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series as well. With Root's milestone, Carse's breakthrough, and Bethell's dream debut, England seem to carry their winning momentum. New Zealand, on the other hand, must regroup to work on the loopholes the series as veteran Tim Southee, playing his final home series, hopes to have a memorable farewell.

The second Test will begin on Friday.