Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes that England’s Joe Root has the potential to surpass the all-time Test run records of both himself and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar. Root, who recently crossed the 12,000-run milestone, is now the seventh-highest run-scorer in Test cricket and within striking distance of two of the greatest batters in the history of the sport.
Joe Root’s Remarkable Test Career
Root’s remarkable form has been evident, with the right-hander recently notching up his 32nd Test century against the West Indies in Nottingham. This was his fourth century since the start of last year, highlighting his ability to consistently convert good starts into substantial scores.
At 33 years old, Root is just 1,351 runs short of Ponting’s tally of 13,378 runs and less than 4,000 runs away from Tendulkar’s record of 15,921, the highest in Test cricket history. If Root continues his current form, he could indeed reach unprecedented heights.
Ponting, speaking on the latest episode of The ICC Review, praised Root’s batting prowess and emphasized that if the Englishman continues his current form, he could indeed reach unprecedented heights. “He could potentially do that,” Ponting remarked when asked if Root could overtake Tendulkar’s monumental run tally.
“He is 33 years of age (more than) 3,000 runs behind. It depends on how many Test matches they play, but if they’re playing 10 to 14 Test matches a year, and if you’re scoring 800 to 1,000 runs a year, then that sort of says he’s only three or four years off getting there. So that’ll take him to 37 (years of age). If his hunger’s still there, then there’s every chance that he could do it.”
Will Joe Root overtake Sachin Tendulkar to become the leading run-scorer in Tests? 🤔
Ricky Ponting has an answer 👇https://t.co/Cs0H4ZohF1
— ICC (@ICC) August 15, 2024
With England set to face Sri Lanka in an ICC World Test Championship series later this month, Root has the opportunity to inch closer to these extraordinary milestones. If he maintains his hunger and consistency, there’s every chance he could break Tendulkar’s monumental run tally.
In the world of cricket, records are meant to be challenged, and Joe Root’s journey promises excitement and anticipation as he aims to etch his name alongside the legends of the game.
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