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Joe Root has been delivering exceptional performances in Test cricket recently, significantly boosting his career statistics and rapidly climbing the ranks of all-time run-scorers in the format. At 33 years old, Root has already established himself as one of the premier batsmen in the history of Test cricket. Currently, he holds the position of the sixth-highest run-scorer in Test history, a testament to his consistent and prolific run-scoring ability over the years. With a total of 12,402 runs amassed from 146 Test matches and 267 innings, Root has showcased remarkable skill and endurance. His batting average of 50.62 underscores his reliability and consistency at the crease, as he has managed to maintain a high standard of performance across numerous matches. Root’s record includes 34 centuries and 48 half-centuries, reflecting his capability to convert promising starts into substantial innings and his knack for scoring runs under various conditions.
His achievements are particularly impressive given the demands and challenges of Test cricket, where maintaining form over long periods and adapting to different pitches and opposition attacks are crucial. Root’s rapid ascent up the all-time run-scorer list not only highlights his personal excellence but also reinforces his pivotal role in the England cricket team. As he continues to play, his impact on the game is likely to grow, potentially elevating him further in the records and setting new benchmarks for future generations.
Joe Root to smash most hundreds in Test cricket?
Sunil Gavaskar, Alastair Cook, Brian Lara, and Ricky Ponting. Although Root’s early career numbers were impressive, they have surged significantly in recent years. Up until the end of 2020, he had scored 7,823 runs in 97 Test matches at an average of 47.99, with 17 centuries and 49 half-centuries. These figures were already commendable, but Root’s performance since 2021 has been extraordinary. Since the beginning of 2021, Root has established himself as the premier batsman in Test cricket. Over the course of 49 matches and 90 innings, he has amassed 4,579 runs at an exceptional average of 55.84. During this period, he has also added 17 more centuries and 15 half-centuries to his record. This phenomenal run has not only solidified his standing among cricket’s elite but has also positioned him as a strong candidate to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary record for the most Test runs.
Root’s recent performances highlight his exceptional skill and consistency, making him a leading contender to become the highest run-scorer in the history of Test cricket. His remarkable ascent underscores his status as one of the greatest modern-era batsmen and further enriches his legacy in the sport. The legendary Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the highest run-scorer in Test cricket, with a staggering 15,921 runs from 200 matches, averaging 53.78. He has scored 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries throughout his illustrious career. Joe Root is currently 3,519 runs short of equaling Tendulkar’s record and has six Tests remaining this year—three in Pakistan and three in New Zealand.
Given Root’s recent exceptional form, he is expected to narrow this gap significantly. He is also just 71 runs away from surpassing Alastair Cook as England’s all-time highest run-scorer in Tests, with Cook having amassed 12,472 runs. Root’s consistent performance suggests he will not only close in on Tendulkar’s record but could also set new benchmarks for English cricket. As Root continues to close the gap, it’s intriguing to consider Tendulkar’s position after 267 innings. His remarkable longevity and consistency set a high standard, making Root’s current trajectory all the more impressive. Root’s ongoing pursuit of these records highlights his place among the modern greats of the game.
At a similar stage in their careers, Sachin Tendulkar had accumulated 13,091 runs at an impressive average of 55, with 44 centuries and 54 fifties. Following this point, Tendulkar enjoyed a notable peak, amassing over 1,601 runs in just 23 innings and becoming the first player to surpass 14,000 Test runs. By contrast, when Joe Root reached his 100th Test, there was a noticeable difference in their statistics. Root had scored 8,507 runs from 183 innings at an average of 50.33, with 20 centuries and 49 fifties. Tendulkar, at the same milestone, had accumulated 8,405 runs from 160 innings, boasting a higher average of 57.96, with 30 centuries and 34 fifties.
This comparison highlights not only Tendulkar's remarkable consistency but also the significant challenges Root faces in closing the gap. Root's ongoing form and achievements, however, suggest he could follow a similar trajectory and potentially reach or even surpass Tendulkar’s records in the future. Hence, it will be really tough for Joe Root to break Sachin Tendulkar's record and score most hundreds in Test cricket but he is very much likely to achieve the milestone of most runs in Test cricket.