The former legend cricketer Michael Vaughan believes that Joe Root could emerge as the leading run-scorer in the history of Test cricket. Root ranks seventh on the list of leading run-scorers in Test cricket, having amassed 12,377 runs in 145 Tests at an average of 50.93.
Adam Gilchrist expressed uncertainty about Joe Root breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record during a discussion on the Club Prairie Fire podcast. He noted that Root may soon shift his focus away from white-ball cricket.
“He’s a youngster, isn’t he? I’ve got no idea what his appetite’s like. I mean, he’s clearly pretty hungry at the moment, but if he has a desire to keep going. He’s going to phase out of white ball completely, isn’t he? He has already pretty much,” Gilchrist said.
From his debut in December 2012 until the end of 2020, Root scored 7,823 runs at an average of 47.99, including 17 centuries. However he has significantly improved since the start of 2021, scoring 4,554 runs in 48 Tests at an average of 56.92, with 17 centuries and a highest score of 228.
Michael Vaughan, during the same conversation, expressed his confidence in Joe Root surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record. Vaughan emphasized Root’s passion, commitment and skill, saying he would be surprised if Root doesn’t surpass Tendulkar.
“I think unless his back snaps, he is the most enthusiastic lover of the game. I don’t think that’s suddenly going to go away. He’s obviously had the cap to see that,” Vaughan stated. “It took a bit out of him, but he’s obviously not involved with that anymore. He’s just a player, a batter, rocks up. He knows his game more than ever before. I’d be amazed if he doesn’t. I’ll be totally honest with you. But absolutely staggered. He’s playing beautifully,” he added.
Currently, Root is just 95 runs shy of surpassing Alastair Cook to become England’s leading Test run-scorer. The 33-year-old is also 3,544 runs behind Tendulkar’s record. England has six Tests remaining this year, with three matches scheduled against Pakistan and three against New Zealand.
