As the sporting calendar for 2025 draws to a close, the venerable Sports Journalists’ Association (SJA) British Sports Awards are once again poised to celebrate the nation’s top athletic achievements. With the 77th edition set to be announced live on Sky Sports News on November 11, 2025, the debate for Sportsman of the Year is intensifying. Among the leading contenders, the enduring brilliance of cricketer Joe Root presents a formidable case, built on a year of record-breaking performances and sustained excellence that continues to capture the attention of sports news outlets across the United Kingdom.
The Unyielding Pinnacle: Joe Root’s 2025 Cricket Season
Joe Root has consistently defied expectations throughout 2025, cementing his status not just as one of England’s greatest batsmen, but as a global cricketing icon. In the Test arena, his summer was marked by historical milestones. In July, Root registered his 38th and 39th Test centuries, a feat that saw him ascend to second place on the all-time Test run-scorers list, famously surpassing the legendary Australian Ricky Ponting. Further solidifying his legendary status, he became the first player in World Test Championship history to surpass 6,000 runs in August 2025. Earlier in the year, he achieved another significant milestone, becoming the first Englishman to break the 13,000-run barrier in Test cricket in May 2025. His consistent ability to reach fifty-plus scores also saw him reach his 104th Test 50+, placing him second only to Sachin Tendulkar in this remarkable statistic.
Beyond the Test match arena, Root’s influence extended to limited-overs formats. His One Day International (ODI) performances in 2025 included a highest score of 166, contributing three centuries and four half-centuries across the year, with his final ODI appearance taking place in September. In the fast-paced environment of The Hundred, Root was instrumental in leading his team, Trent Rockets, to the playoffs in August. His notable innings, including a match-winning 64 not out and a blistering 76 as an opener, underscored his adaptability and crucial role in the team’s success.
A Legacy Carved in Records
Root’s 2025 campaign is not an isolated surge but a continuation of a career built on unparalleled consistency and run-scoring prowess. He is recognised as the leading run-scorer among all active batsmen and holds the record for the most Test centuries for England. His ability to compile massive innings, evidenced by his 12 double centuries, speaks volumes about his technique and temperament on the world stage. These enduring achievements, stretching back over a decade, underscore his sustained impact on the sport.
The SJA British Sports Awards: The Journalists’ Verdict
The SJA British Sports Awards, with a history dating back to 1949, are widely regarded as a benchmark of sporting excellence in the United Kingdom, decided by the country’s foremost sports journalists. The awards recognise outstanding individual and team performances that capture the public imagination and set the trending narrative in sports news. Notably, Joe Root was previously honoured with a special SJA chairman’s award in 2024 for his exceptional achievements, including becoming England’s highest Test run-scorer. This prior recognition highlights his consistent presence in the conversation for top sporting honours.
The Case for the Crown
Joe Root’s 2025 season showcases a cricketer operating at the very height of his powers. His record-breaking feats in Test cricket, his pivotal role in The Hundred, and his continued contributions in ODIs demonstrate a multi-format prowess that few can match. The SJA British Sports Awards, decided by those who report on and analyse sports day in and day out, are uniquely positioned to recognise such sustained, high-level performance. Root’s achievements in 2025 not only add to an already glittering legacy but also provide compelling evidence for his claim to the Sportsman of the Year title. His journey through the 2025 cricket season has been a masterclass in dedication, skill, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence, making him a standout candidate for this prestigious award within the United Kingdom’s vibrant sports landscape.
