Joe Root’s recent stellar performances have reaffirmed his place as one of the greatest Test cricketers of all time. As he approaches a remarkable milestone, Root is now just 492 runs shy of surpassing Ricky Ponting’s career total, placing him among cricket’s elite. His current standing as the fifth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket puts him on track to challenge some of the sport’s most iconic records, including the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time run tally.
Root’s Remarkable Journey: A Force in Test Cricket
With 12,886 runs accumulated in 151 Test matches, Joe Root has cemented himself as one of the best English batsmen in the history of the game. His batting average of 57.37 showcases consistency and resilience, essential traits for any player aspiring to dominate at the international level. Root’s recent match-winning century against New Zealand further solidified his place among cricket’s modern greats, propelling him into the conversation of players who could one day eclipse Sachin Tendulkar’s iconic record of 15,921 runs.
At 33 years old, Root has already achieved what many players can only dream of. His 492-run deficit to Ricky Ponting’s 13,378 runs is not out of reach, and his journey toward the coveted 13,000-run mark has been marked by phenomenal performances year after year. Notably, Root is the only active player among the top five all-time run-scorers in Test cricket.
Joe Root vs. The Fab Four: A New Era
Root’s remarkable run-scoring ability has placed him in direct competition with the so-called ‘Fab Four’ of modern Test cricket: Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson. While Root’s peers have historically had an edge over him, his recent surge in form has catapulted him to the forefront.
At the start of 2021, Root trailed behind his contemporaries in terms of Test centuries, with 17 centuries compared to Kohli’s 27. However, over the past few years, Root has made significant strides in this area, now boasting 36 centuries and 64 half-centuries to his name. This remarkable feat places him well ahead of Kohli, who has 30 centuries, and Williamson and Smith, who each have 32 centuries.
Root Closing In on 13,000 Test Runs
As of now, Root is on the cusp of reaching 13,000 Test runs. Among the ‘Fab Four’, Root is the only player to have surpassed this milestone, with the next closest being Steve Smith, who has 9,704 runs in 111 matches. Virat Kohli, with 9,163 runs in 120 matches, and Kane Williamson, with 9,076 runs in 104 matches, are still some distance away from Root’s tally.
Root’s consistency has been a hallmark of his career, and with the likes of Smith, Kohli, and Williamson still trailing behind in terms of total runs, the Englishman’s position as one of the all-time greats looks increasingly secure.
Is Joe Root Ready to Surpass Tendulkar?
With every passing series, Joe Root inches closer to the unthinkable: breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most runs in Test cricket. Root’s 3,035-run deficit to Tendulkar may seem daunting, but given his current form and the longevity he’s displayed, it’s entirely possible that Root will continue to amass runs at a prolific rate for several more years.
While the cricketing world is eager to see if Root can achieve this feat, the fact that he is even in the conversation is a testament to his extraordinary skills, adaptability, and sheer determination.
Root’s Legacy in the Making
As Joe Root nears the 13,000-run milestone, it’s clear that his place in cricketing history is already assured. His remarkable consistency, ability to adapt to various conditions, and exceptional performances in key moments have firmly established him as a player for the ages. Whether or not Root surpasses Tendulkar’s Test run record, his legacy as one of the best English batsmen ever is undeniable.
In conclusion, as Root closes in on these monumental records, his performances in the coming years will continue to shape the future of Test cricket. Whether it’s surpassing Ricky Ponting, approaching Sachin Tendulkar, or further solidifying his place among the all-time greats, Joe Root’s journey in Test cricket is far from over—and it promises to be one for the ages.
