Root’s unbeaten 76 against India at Edgbaston lifted his ODI average to 50.01, making him only the second batter to average above 50 in both Tests and ODIs, with at least 1,000 runs in each format.
De Villiers was the first to achieve the feat.
The former Proteas captain retired from international cricket in 2018 with 8,765 Test runs at an average of 50.66. He struck 22 centuries and 46 fifties in 114 Tests, with a career-best score of 278* against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.
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His ODI record included 9,577 runs at 53.50, with 25 centuries and 53 fifties. De Villiers also finished with a strike rate above 100 and still holds the records for the fastest ODI fifty, century and 150.
Root entered the club during England’s six-wicket defeat by India on Tuesday.
England collapsed from 61-0 to 80-5 before Root and Liam Dawson dragged the hosts back into the contest. Root, who was dropped on seven, shared a 121-run seventh-wicket partnership with Dawson.
He finished unbeaten on 76 from 76 balls as England recovered to 258 all out. The innings took Root to 7,653 ODI runs from 179 innings, including 20 centuries and 46 fifties.
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Root is also England’s leading run-scorer in Tests. He has passed 14,000 runs in the format, becoming only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to reach the landmark.
The 35-year-old has scored 41 Test centuries and currently averages 50.58.
India chased down England’s target with 28 balls remaining, but Root’s innings secured another major personal milestone.
De Villiers and Root are now the only two members of international cricket’s 50-50 club.
AB de Villiers 🤝 Joe Root
Joe Root’s half-century against India took his ODI average back above 50, making him one of just two batters with career averages of 50-plus in both Tests and ODIs 🏏 pic.twitter.com/xRlperS4Sw
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) July 15, 2026
Photo: Action Images / Paul Harding
