Joe Root’s journey in Test cricket has entered a new dimension. Once grouped with Steve Smith and Kane Williamson as part of the “Fab Four,” the English maestro is now in a league of his own, setting his sights on the ultimate benchmark—Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary Test records. With consistent performances and a hunger for runs, Root is rewriting the record books and fueling debates about where he ranks among the game’s all-time greats.
Root Leaves Smith and Williamson Behind
A Shift in the Fab Four Narrative
For years, Joe Root, Steve Smith, Virat Kohli, and Kane Williamson have been compared as the modern era’s batting elite. But Root’s recent form has seen him surge ahead, especially in Test cricket:
Root has amassed 12,886 runs in 151 Tests, surpassing both Smith and Williamson by a considerable margin.
His 36 Test centuries and 64 fifties put him in elite company, while his average of 50.93 is a testament to his consistency.
Since handing over England’s captaincy to Ben Stokes, Root has flourished, focusing solely on his batting and delivering match-winning performances around the world.
While Smith and Williamson remain world-class, Root’s relentless run-scoring has set him apart, making him the clear front-runner among his contemporaries.
The Sachin Tendulkar Benchmark: How Close Is Root?
Numbers That Tell the Story
Sachin Tendulkar’s Test records have long seemed untouchable: 15,921 runs and 51 centuries in 200 Tests. Yet, Root is now firmly in pursuit:
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 200 | 15,921 | 53.78 | 51 | 68 |
| Joe Root (current) | 151 | 12,886 | 50.93 | 36 | 64 |
Root has scored more runs than Tendulkar had after 151 Tests (Root: 12,886; Sachin: 11,939).
However, Tendulkar had a higher average (54.02) and more centuries (39) at the same stage.
Root has played more innings to reach his tally, but his durability and fitness mean he’s on track to play as many, if not more, Tests than Tendulkar.
What Root Needs to Surpass Sachin
- Root is just 492 runs away from overtaking Ricky Ponting for No. 2 on the all-time Test run-scorers list.
- To surpass Tendulkar, Root needs about 4,000 more runs and 15 more centuries.
- At his current scoring rate, Root could reach these milestones in the next 3–4 years, provided he maintains form and fitness.
Root’s Evolution: From Classical to Bazball
Joe Root’s transformation in the “Bazball” era has been remarkable. Once known for his classical technique, Root has embraced a more aggressive, unorthodox style—adapting to modern demands and England’s new approach. This reinvention has allowed him to:
- Score freely in all conditions, from spinning tracks in Asia to seaming pitches at home.
- Maintain a high level of consistency, with big scores against top opposition.
- Become England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer, overtaking Sir Alastair Cook.
The Road Ahead: Can Root Catch Sachin?
Root’s age (34), fitness, and form all work in his favor. If he continues at this pace, cricket fans could witness history as he chases down Tendulkar’s monumental records. While Tendulkar remains the gold standard, Root’s pursuit is a testament to his greatness and the evolving nature of Test cricket.
FAQs: Joe Root’s Chase of Sachin Tendulkar’s Records
1. How many Test runs does Joe Root have?
Joe Root currently has 12,886 Test runs from 151 matches, ranking him fifth on the all-time list.
2. How does Root compare to Sachin Tendulkar at the same stage?
After 151 Tests, Root has more runs than Tendulkar did but fewer centuries and a slightly lower average.
3. What records is Root chasing?
Root is chasing Tendulkar’s all-time Test run record (15,921) and century tally (51).
4. Is Root ahead of Steve Smith and Kane Williamson?
Yes, Root has outpaced both Smith and Williamson in Test runs and centuries, establishing himself as the leading batter of his generation.
5. Can Root realistically surpass Tendulkar’s records?
If Root maintains his current form and fitness, he has a realistic chance to surpass Tendulkar’s Test run tally and possibly his century record.
Conclusion: Root’s Pursuit of Greatness
Joe Root has moved beyond comparisons with his contemporaries—he’s now locked in a chase with the greatest of all time. While Sachin Tendulkar’s legacy is secure, Root’s relentless pursuit adds a thrilling chapter to Test cricket’s history. As Root continues to pile on runs, cricket fans worldwide will be watching closely to see if the Englishman can achieve the unthinkable and etch his name alongside, or even above, the Master Blaster.