Joe Root Climbs to No. 2 on All-Time Test Run Chart
In a historic moment at Old Trafford during the 4th Test against India, England’s modern-day maestro Joe Root etched his name even deeper into cricket history. With a majestic 150-run knock in the first innings, Root surpassed Australia’s Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history.
The 34-year-old was eventually dismissed for 150, stumped off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling. But by then, he had done enough to leave a mark on the game once again. This milestone further solidifies his place as arguably the greatest English batter in Test history.
Elite Company: The Top 3 Titans of Test Cricket
As per the Leading Run Scorer in Tests Chart,
1 Sachin Tendulkar (India) 15,921
2 Joe Root (England) 13,409
3 Ricky Ponting (Australia) 13,378
Passing Ponting, Root now holds second place. But unlike the legends above and below him, Root still has a few more prime years left in his career. That opens up one exciting possibility — could Joe Root actually break Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 15,921 Test runs?
England’s Finest with the Bat
Root’s consistency has been extraordinary, especially since taking over the captaincy in 2017. Although he stepped down from the leadership role in 2022, his batting has continued to flourish. He has delivered on all kinds of pitches, from the spinning tracks of Asia to the bouncy surfaces in Australia and South Africa.
Where legends like Alastair Cook built their legacy through patience and grit, Joe Root has added flair and finesse. No other English batter has averaged above 50 across so many innings with this level of consistency.
He’s also England’s leading run-scorer by a considerable margin:
- Joe Root – 13,409 runs
- Alastair Cook – 12,472 runs
- Graham Gooch – 8,900 runs
Root isn’t just at the top; he’s in a league of his own.
Can Joe Root Break Sachin’s Record?
The Numbers Game
Let’s look at what Joe Root needs to catch up to Sachin Tendulkar’s 15,921 runs. As of now:
Gap = 15,921 – 13,409 = 2512 runs
Assuming Root continues to average around 50 per innings, he would need approximately 51 more innings to surpass the Indian legend. With England typically playing 10–12 Tests per year, and Root likely to bat in both innings of most matches, he could play 20–24 innings annually. That means he could break the record in 2.5 to 3 years, provided he maintains fitness and form.
Age on His Side
At 34, Root is still fit and active. Comparatively, Sachin played till the age of 40. If Root chooses to continue for even four more years, the record becomes highly achievable. Add to that the aggressive “Bazball” approach under England’s current regime, which allows Root to play with freedom, and you have the perfect environment for run-making.
Why Joe Root Is a Modern Great
Versatility and Style
Joe Root’s batting combines classical technique with modern innovation. He can grind out tough runs against quality pace and play the sweep or reverse sweep against spin with surgical precision. His double hundreds in Sri Lanka, match-winning hundreds in India, and dominant Ashes performances all tell a story of a batter who thrives in all conditions.
Mentally Unshakeable
Even under the immense pressure of captaincy, Root delivered. In 2021 alone, he scored 1,708 Test runs, the third-highest in a single calendar year. Only Mohammad Yousuf (1,788) and Viv Richards (1,710) have ever scored more in a year. That kind of mental strength sets him apart.
What’s Next for Root?
If fitness permits and motivation stays high, Joe Root has all the tools to become the highest run-scorer in Test cricket. The next two years will be crucial. England’s schedule includes series against India, Australia, and Pakistan — all strong opponents where big runs will matter.
While chasing down a record once considered untouchable, Root is also redefining English batting legacy. No longer is the top spot reserved for players from the subcontinent or Australia. An Englishman now stands second, staring at the top. Joe Root is no longer just the best England Test batter — he is now chasing immortality. With 13,409 runs, he has already passed Ponting. Only the great Sachin Tendulkar remains above him.
The journey ahead won’t be easy. But if there’s one player today with the skill, patience, hunger, and time to break that mountain of a record — it’s Joe Root. So the question is no longer if — it’s when.
Also read this : https://cric92.com/blogs/ab-de-villiers-returns-to-legends-league-with-explosive-form/