Former England captain Alastair Cook has boldly claimed that Joe Root could surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of the most Test runs.Â
Root, currently in exceptional form, became England’s highest Test run-scorer during the ongoing first Test against Pakistan in Multan.Â
He overtook Cook’s previous record of 12,472 runs and is now fifth on the all-time list of Test cricket’s top run-scorers, with Tendulkar sitting at the top with an impressive 15,921 runs.
Root’s latest performance, a remarkable 176* off 277 balls, has further fueled discussions about whether he could surpass the Indian legend.
Cook, speaking on BBC’s Test Match Special, expressed confidence that Root has what it takes to overtake Tendulkar, citing Root’s hunger and skill as key factors.
Cook’s Prediction: Root Could Break Sachin’s Record
Alastair Cook, who held the record as England’s highest run-scorer in Test cricket until recently, believes Root’s form and longevity in the game could make him the greatest Test batsman of all time.
“I can see him overhauling Sachin Tendulkar’s record,” said Cook. The former opener praised Root’s ability to handle the pressures of the game, crediting Ben Stokes‘ captaincy for easing Root’s burden, allowing him to focus more on his batting.
Cook mentioned that while Tendulkar’s record remains formidable, injury-free careers and consistency are key to success in long-term cricket.
He acknowledged the unpredictability of the sport but remains optimistic about Root’s potential to challenge Tendulkar’s dominance.
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The Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar’s Test Record
- 1. Most Runs in Test Cricket
- Total Runs: 15,921 runs
- Matches: 200 Tests
- Average: 53.78
- Centuries: 51
- Half-Centuries: 68
- Highest Score: 248* (not out)
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most runs in Test cricket, a staggering 15,921 runs scored over 24 years, a feat no one has surpassed.
- 2. Most Test Centuries (51)
Tendulkar is the only cricketer to have scored 51 centuries in Test matches. His consistency and ability to play match-winning innings have made this record hard to surpass.
- 3. First Player to Play 200 Test Matches
Sachin was the first cricketer in history to play 200 Test matches, making his career span even more remarkable, considering the physical demands of the game.
- 4. Most Runs in a Calendar Year (1997)
In 1997, Tendulkar scored 1,894 runs in Tests, the highest by any Indian player in a calendar year, showcasing his dominance during that period.
- 5. Most Fifties (119, combined Test and ODI)
Combining his performances in both Test and One-Day Internationals (ODIs), Sachin also holds the record for scoring the most fifties in international cricket.
- 6. First to Reach 10,000 Runs
Sachin was the first player in cricket history to cross the 10,000-run milestone in Test cricket, setting the benchmark for future players.
- 7. Most Centuries Against Australia
Tendulkar has scored 11 centuries against Australia in Test cricket, a record for the most centuries by an individual against a single team.
Root and Brook’s Historic Partnership
Root’s unbeaten knock of 176 was instrumental in England’s strong position at the end of Day 3, as the team finished at 492/3, trailing by 64 runs.
Root’s partnership with Harry Brook, who remained unbeaten at 141*, broke records for the highest partnership by any England pair in Pakistan. Their 243-run stand surpassed Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett’s 233-run partnership in 2022.
As Root inches closer to breaking more records, the cricketing world watches closely to see whether he can eventually surpass the legendary Tendulkar.
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