Joe Root continues to cement his place among cricket’s greatest batters. In his 157th Test, the England star struck a commanding 150 against India in Manchester, overtaking Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history. With 13,409 runs, he now trails only Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary total of 15,921 runs.
Root’s journey since turning 30 has been nothing short of extraordinary. On the heels of that milestone in December 2020, he smashed scores of 228, 186, and 218 in three back-to-back Tests. Since then, he has scored 21 centuries in just 60 matches, proving his commitment to the longest format. His form has only improved after stepping down as captain in 2022, averaging over 57 in the last three years alone.
Is Root on Track to Surpass Tendulkar?
If Root maintains his current average of around 80 runs per match, he could surpass Tendulkar in roughly 31 more Tests. Given England’s busy calendar of 13 to 15 matches annually, the record might be within reach by the time Root turns 37. His 38 Test centuries already place him among elite company, just behind Ponting (41), Kallis (45), and Tendulkar (51).
However, the road ahead is uncertain. Tendulkar’s greatness wasn’t just about runs—it was about consistency, resilience, and longevity. He played through injuries, mental fatigue, and enormous pressure for 24 years. Root has shown hunger and discipline, but as history shows with players like Virat Kohli, even the best can face sudden dips in form.
For now, Root remains focused on Test cricket. If he avoids injuries and maintains his drive, the world may witness a new name atop the all-time Test runs leaderboard. Whether he gets there or not, Root’s pursuit of greatness is already one of modern cricket’s most compelling stories.
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