Joe Root and Tim Southee have faced off many times on the international stage, especially in classic England vs New Zealand encounters. Root, known for his classy stroke play and calm approach, has often come up against Southee’s swing and accuracy with the new ball.
In this article, we break down how Root has performed against Southee across all formats — Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. From runs scored and dismissals to strike rates and year-by-year stats, this head-to-head analysis highlights one of cricket’s consistent and intriguing battles.
Joe Root vs Tim Southee Head-to-Head Stats Summary
Joe Root has faced Tim Southee across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, playing a total of 861 balls, scoring 533 runs, and getting dismissed 7 times. He has hit 57 fours and 6 sixes, while facing 585 dot balls.
Format | Runs | Balls | Outs | Dots | 4s/6s | Avg | SR |
Test | 385 | 717 | 6 | 520 | 44/3 | 64.2 | 53.7 |
ODI | 123 | 133 | 1 | 63 | 10/2 | 123.0 | 92.5 |
T20I | 25 | 11 | 0 | 2 | 3/1 | - | 227.3 |
Total | 533 | 861 | 7 | 585 | 57/6 | - | - |
Joe Root vs Tim Southee: Year-by-Year Head to Head Stats in Tests
In Tests, Root has scored 385 runs from 717 balls and has been dismissed 6 times by Southee. He averages 64.2 with a strike rate of 53.7, showing solid control and patience. He has hit 44 fours and 3 sixes in Test battles against Southee.
Year | Runs | Balls | Outs | Dots | 4s | 6s | Avg | SR |
2013 | 67 | 186 | 3 | 156 | 9 | 0 | 22.3 | 36.0 |
2015 | 32 | 63 | 1 | 48 | 4 | 0 | 32.0 | 50.8 |
2018 | 33 | 60 | 1 | 43 | 3 | 0 | 33.0 | 55.0 |
2019 | 40 | 84 | 0 | 58 | 4 | 0 | - | 47.6 |
2021 | 8 | 34 | 0 | 28 | 0 | 0 | - | 23.5 |
2022 | 131 | 162 | 1 | 101 | 19 | 1 | 131.0 | 80.9 |
2023 | 55 | 105 | 0 | 74 | 3 | 2 | - | 52.4 |
2024 | 19 | 23 | 0 | 12 | 2 | 0 | - | 82.6 |
Total | 385 | 717 | 6 | 520 | 44 | 3 | 64.2 | 53.7 |
Joe Root vs Tim Southee: Year-by-Year Head to Head Stats in ODIs
In ODIs, Root has scored 123 runs from 133 balls, and has only been dismissed once, resulting in a fantastic average of 123.0 and a strong strike rate of 92.5. He has hit 10 fours and 2 sixes against Southee in ODIs.
Year | Runs | Balls | Outs | Dots | 4s | 6s | Avg | SR |
2013 | 36 | 48 | 0 | 26 | 3 | 0 | - | 75.0 |
2015 | 34 | 38 | 0 | 19 | 4 | 0 | - | 89.5 |
2017 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | - | 62.5 |
2018 | 45 | 35 | 1 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 45.0 | 128.6 |
2019 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 100.0 |
2023 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | 0.0 |
Total | 123 | 133 | 1 | 63 | 10 | 2 | 123.0 | 92.5 |
Joe Root vs Tim Southee: Year-by-Year Head to Head Stats in T20Is
In T20Is, Root has faced Southee in just one match — back in 2015 — where he scored 25 runs off just 11 balls without getting out. He smashed 3 fours and 1 six, maintaining an explosive strike rate of 227.3.
Year | Runs | Balls | Outs | Dots | 4s | 6s | Avg | SR |
2015 | 25 | 11 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1 | - | 227.3 |
Total | 25 | 11 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1 | - | 227.3 |
Reference: The stats are taken from the Cricmetric
Verdict: Joe Root vs Tim Southee - Who has the edge?
In this battle, Joe Root clearly has the edge over Tim Southee. Root has handled Southee’s swing and control with confidence across all formats. In Tests, he averages over 64, showing strong consistency. In ODIs, he has been dismissed just once in multiple encounters and averages a remarkable 123.0. Even in T20Is, he scored freely and remained unbeaten.
Overall, Root has dominated this matchup with both consistency and control, making him the clear winner in this head-to-head.
Must Read |
