The Joe Root Test record chase is heating up, but his latest series has not gone exactly as fans hoped. Root is getting closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s incredible all-time Test runs record. However, his recent performance against Pakistan may feel like a missed chance.
Right now, Root has scored 14,216 Test runs. He has played 169 matches and batted in 308 innings. Tendulkar’s record stands at 15,921 runs, made across 200 Tests and 329 innings.
This means Root still needs 1,706 more runs to become cricket’s greatest run scorer of all time.
A Tough Series So Far
Many fans expected Root to make big progress during this series. Pakistan’s team has been struggling, and the matches are being played in England, giving Root home advantage.
However, things did not go as planned. Root scored 66 runs in the first Test. After that, he only managed 4 and 24 runs during the match at Lord’s.
In the third Test at Edgbaston, Root’s struggles continued. He was dismissed for just 8 runs from only 18 balls. He was given out leg-before-wicket by Pakistan’s debut bowler, Razaullah.
England Dominates the Match
Even though Root personally struggled, his team performed very well. England scored a huge total of 453 runs. In comparison, Pakistan could only manage 133 runs in their first innings.
This gave England a massive lead of 320 runs. Because of this strong position, Pakistan was forced to bat again quickly.
By the end of Day 2, Pakistan had scored 52 runs while losing two wickets. They still need 268 more runs just to avoid batting a third time in the match.
Because England’s position is so strong, Root may not even get another chance to bat during this series.
Can Root Still Catch Sachin
Root has had a quieter run recently, at least by his own high standards. During this home summer, he has passed 50 runs only twice.
His repeated dismissals through leg-before-wicket decisions have also become a growing concern for fans and experts.
There is another factor to consider too. Root recently returned as England’s Test team captain after Ben Stokes retired. It is still too early to know whether this extra responsibility is affecting his batting.
Root has not scored a Test century since he hit 160 runs against Australia in Sydney back in January.
Even so, cricket legend Viv Richards believes the captaincy role could actually help Root. When asked if Root could break Tendulkar’s record, Richards said that being captain might work in Root’s favor.
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Plenty of Tests Still Coming
The good news for Root and his fans is that many more opportunities lie ahead. After the current series against Pakistan, England will travel to South Africa for three more Test matches.
These matches will begin in Johannesburg on December 17, followed by games in Centurion and Cape Town.
After that, England will take part in a special 150th anniversary Test match against Australia at the MCG in March 2027. England will then host Bangladesh for one Test match, followed by a five-match Ashes series against Australia during the English summer.
In total, Root will have around 10 more scheduled Test matches between the South Africa tour and the end of the 2027 Ashes series.
Joe Root Test Record: Time Is Ticking, But Hope Remains
Root is currently 35 years old and will turn 36 in December. Because of this, time is no longer completely on his side.
However, reaching Tendulkar’s record does not seem impossible. Root still needs 1,706 more runs, but he has already scored more than 14,000 runs during his career.
For a batter with Root’s skill and experience, this target remains realistic and well within reach.
The Bigger Picture on the Joe Root Test Record
The Joe Root Test record chase continues to be one of cricket’s most exciting storylines. While the recent series against Pakistan brought some disappointment, Root still has plenty of matches ahead to close the gap.
With his talent, experience, and several major series still to come, fans will be watching closely to see if Root can eventually become Test cricket’s all-time leading run scorer.
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Reference By : Gulf News