Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar Test career milestones: Joe Root made history on the third day of the opening Test against Pakistan by surpassing Alastair Cook’s record to become England’s highest run-scorer in Test cricket. Root achieved the milestone in style, hitting a straight-driven boundary to reach 72 before lunch, bringing his total career runs to 12,472. With this landmark, Root led England to 232-2 in just 45 overs, setting the stage for an impressive innings.
Root’s Climb to Test Cricket’s Elite
Root’s record-breaking moment sees him move to fifth on the all-time list of Test run-scorers, behind cricket legends such as Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, and Rahul Dravid. However, the coveted top spot, held by Indian great Sachin Tendulkar with 15,921 runs, is now within reach for the 33-year-old.
Tendulkar’s tally was once considered unattainable, but Root’s consistent form, his ability to perform in various conditions, and his drive for excellence have brought him closer to this prestigious record. Root, who has shown remarkable longevity and adaptability, is still going strong and, according to many, has plenty of years left in his career.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan, in a column for The Telegraph, expressed his belief that Root could surpass Tendulkar’s record if he continues playing into his forties, much like James Anderson, who remains a key player for England. Vaughan remarked on Root’s love for the game, suggesting that his passion and form would allow him to keep playing at the highest level for years to come.
“Root is already cricketing royalty and there is no doubt in my eyes that he has become England’s greatest batsman already. No one has played the different forms of the game better than him, and he has got the runs to show for it. If he plays as long as I am sure he will, he will overtake Sachin Tendulkar and be the leading Test run-scorer. More than just being a great player, he does it all with a smile on his face, and is simply the greatest example for young kids to follow,” stated Vaughan further.
