October 22, 2024: Former England captain Alastair Cook has recently highlighted Joe Root's outstanding form, suggesting that only New Zealand's Kane Williamson comes close to matching him in Test cricket at this "precise moment in time."
Root, who is part of the esteemed 'Fab Four' alongside Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, and Williamson, has surged ahead in recent years, cementing his place as one of the finest modern-day Test batters. Root's tally of 12,716 runs places him just 3,206 runs behind the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, as he inches closer to potentially becoming the highest run-scorer in Test history.
During a round-table interview hosted by the ICC, Cook spoke highly of Root, saying, "I find it hard to see anyone playing as well as Joe Root. Over the last year or so of the so-called 'Big Four', I think Williamson and him are probably in the best form at the moment." Cook emphasized that although all members of the 'Fab Four' are extraordinary in their own ways, it is Root and Williamson who have been the most consistent and impressive lately. Their mutual hunger for improvement and the ability to "keep churning out runs" sets them apart.
Root is currently showcasing his prowess in the ongoing Test series against Pakistan, where he has already accumulated 314 runs at an impressive average of 104.67 after two Tests. He will be looking to further enhance his performance in the series decider in Rawalpindi. Meanwhile, Williamson, who was set to face India in a three-match Test series, has been sidelined due to a groin strain, missing the first two Tests against India.
As Root continues to dominate with his brilliant form, Cook's remarks underscore that he is a player at the peak of his powers, with only a few, like Williamson, keeping pace with him in the current landscape of Test cricket.
