Most Test Runs 2022: Babar Azam dethrones Joe Root, but in race with Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne

When it comes to Test runs scored by a batter in 2022, Babaz Azam is currently leading the pack. In the opening Test match on Monday against New Zealand saw the Pakistan captain smash a century. By achieving this, the Pakistani skipper went on to surpass Joe Root to become the batter with the most Test runs in a calendar year. 

However, it will be to see for how long he can retain that spot as he faces some strong challenges in Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, two Australian batsmen, who could achieve the same during their clashes against South Africa.

Babar Azam – 1170*

Joe Root – 1098

Usman Khawaja – 1080

Jonny Bairstow – 1061

Marnus Labuschagne – 957

In the match against the Kiwis at home, Babar Azam registered his fourth Test ton of the year at Karachi. He is currently unbeaten with 161 runs at Stumps on Day 1 of the first Test match. The 28-year-old reached the three-mark figure in style as he went on to score the ninth Test ton of his career. 

With his innings, Babar Azam also created another record as he now has scored the most runs by a Pakistan batter in a calendar year across formats. He has surpassed Mohammad Yousuf's tally of 2435 runs.