England’s Joe Root recently climbed to second on the all-time Test run-scorers list, sparking a conversation about whether he could surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record.
Joe Root’s Monumental Achievement
In a stellar performance last week, Joe Root scored 150 runs off 248 balls in the fourth Test in Manchester. This impressive innings saw the 34-year-old cricketing maestro leapfrog legends like Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting.
He now stands as the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history. With 13,409 runs from 286 Test innings, Root is currently 2,512 runs behind Sachin Tendulkar’s formidable 15,921 runs.
Buttler Weighs In on the Tendulkar Record
While the gap to the top spot might seem within reach, Root’s former teammate, Jos Buttler, believes that the record isn’t Root’s primary focus. Buttler shared his insights on his YouTube channel, “For the Love of Cricket.”
“He’s not hunting down Sachin Tendulkar because that’s definitely not the way he plays his cricket or how he sees it,” Buttler stated. However, he acknowledged the incredible possibility: “But he is number two on an incredibly elite list, with what seems like, if he stays fit, quite an attainable kind of thing, which is absolutely mindblowing.”
A Batter in Peak Form
Root’s current form certainly makes the prospect of chasing down records seem less daunting. Buttler highlighted his teammate’s exceptional run-scoring since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“He has got 21 hundreds since COVID. He is obviously in the form of his life and it is awesome to watch,” Buttler added, emphasizing Root’s consistent high-level performance.
The Question of Longevity
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad, co-hosting the podcast, questioned Buttler about the certainty of Root achieving the record. Broad noted that Root, at 34 and approaching 35, has maintained remarkable fitness and consistency, unlike many players who face dips in form or injuries.
“Do you sit there and think it’s a given that he is going to do it?” Broad asked. “Not many players have never had a loss of form or an injury problem but he has just always been fit and scoring runs. So is there any part of you that thinks ‘he might not get there’?”
Buttler’s Confidence in Root’s Drive
Buttler swiftly backed his former captain, expressing strong confidence in Root’s enduring dedication to the game. He dismissed any concerns about a potential loss of passion or form.
“Hunger is never an issue I see with Root,” Buttler asserted. “He isn’t going to wake up in 2-3 years and think he doesn’t have the love for batting or playing for England.”
Buttler pointed out that even during a tough period where England won only one match out of 17 while Root was captain, his personal performance remained stellar. He believes Root’s motivation stems from a genuine love for playing and winning matches, rather than chasing individual milestones.
- Joe Root is now the second-highest run-scorer in Test history, 2,512 runs behind Sachin Tendulkar.
- Jos Buttler believes Root isn’t actively chasing Tendulkar’s record but acknowledges its attainability.
- Root has scored 21 Test centuries since the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating peak form.
- Buttler is confident in Root’s sustained hunger and love for the game, dismissing concerns about a decline in form or fitness.
Whether he reaches the summit or solidifies his place at number two, Root’s journey continues to be a captivating spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.
