Former England captain Joe Root is inching closer to one of cricket’s most revered records—Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time Test run tally of 15,921 runs. Root’s recent performances have reignited discussions about the possibility of him surpassing the Indian legend, but the 33-year-old batter remains steadfast in his focus on contributing to England’s victories rather than chasing personal milestones.
Root’s Record-Breaking Journey
Root, who has been the backbone of England’s Test batting lineup for over a decade, recently achieved another significant milestone in his illustrious career. During the ongoing second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s, Root notched up his 34th Test century in the first innings, scoring 143 off 206 balls. He followed this up with a brisk 103 off 121 balls in the second innings, helping England set an imposing target of 483 runs.
With these twin centuries, Root not only became the England batter with the most Test centuries, surpassing Sir Alastair Cook, but also took his career run tally to 12,377 runs. This puts him just 96 runs away from entering the top five all-time leading run-scorers in Test cricket, a list currently topped by Tendulkar.
Eyeing Tendulkar’s Record
As Root’s run tally continues to climb, the conversation has inevitably turned to whether he could surpass Tendulkar’s record, a feat many thought would remain unchallenged. Root is now 3,544 runs short of Tendulkar’s total, and given his current form, age, and fitness, he appears to be on a realistic path to achieving this landmark.
However, when asked about the possibility of breaking Tendulkar’s record, Root downplayed the significance of personal achievements, instead emphasizing his commitment to team success. “I just want to play, and try, and do my bit for the team and score as many runs as I can,” Root said in a video shared by England Cricket. “But there’s no better feeling than winning a Test match. So the more it can affect games and the more you can add to the team, the greater it is. That will be the main focus.”
Root’s remarks underscore his selfless approach to the game, where team success is paramount. “It’s obviously amazing when you score 100—you’d be lying if you said it wasn’t. It’s a big part of why you start playing the game and what you love about it,” Root added. “But winning is what matters most.”
A Stellar Run of Form
Root’s consistency in recent years has been nothing short of extraordinary. In the last three years alone, he has amassed 4,554 runs in 48 Tests at an average of 56.92, with 17 centuries to his name. This rich vein of form has catapulted him to the top of the Test batting charts, and with several more matches scheduled for the remainder of the year, Root is well-positioned to continue his upward trajectory.
England is set to play one more Test in the current series against Sri Lanka, followed by three Tests against Pakistan and another three against New Zealand later this year. These matches will provide Root with ample opportunities to close the gap on Tendulkar’s record.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the prospect of surpassing Tendulkar is tantalizing, Root remains focused on the immediate challenges ahead. England is currently leading the three-match series against Sri Lanka 1-0 and will be looking to secure a series win in the final Test. Root’s leadership and batting will be crucial as England aims to build momentum ahead of their upcoming series against Pakistan and New Zealand.
At 33, Root still has time on his side, but the physical and mental demands of Test cricket are formidable. Maintaining form and fitness over the next few years will be essential if he is to reach and surpass Tendulkar’s record. However, Root’s determination and love for the game suggest that he is more than capable of achieving this historic feat.
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