December 20, 2024: Former England wicketkeeper James Foster has stated that Joe Root has a strong chance of surpassing Sachin Tendulkar as the leading run-scorer in Test cricket, a record many believed would remain untouched. Root, who has been in sensational form in red-ball cricket over the past few years, is now just 2,949 runs away from leveling Tendulkar’s legendary tally of 15,921 runs in Test cricket.
Foster emphasized Root’s continuous evolution as a cricketer, his undying hunger for runs, and his passion for the game. He believes Root, with his immense ability and hunger to keep performing, has a genuine shot at surpassing Tendulkar. “Joe is a world-class player. Joe continues to keep evolving his game. He has played so much cricket, but he is still very hungry. He just loves it. Anyone with that ability and quality who still has the hunger to perform and play cricket. He has probably got a very good chance,” Foster said.
Root’s recent performances only fuel this belief. In the just-concluded series against New Zealand, he scored a total of 218 runs, with an average of 43.60 in three matches, striking at an impressive 83.21. He also created a record by surpassing Javed Miandad to become the leading run-scorer in Test cricket against New Zealand, reaching a total of 1,925 runs, surpassing Miandad’s tally of 1,919 runs.
Root’s consistency against top teams is remarkable. He is the leading run-scorer in Test cricket against both India (2,846 runs) and Pakistan (2,911 runs), and has also been dominant against Bangladesh and New Zealand. In fact, Root has made history by becoming the first touring player to accumulate 1,006 runs in New Zealand. He also holds the record for most fifty-plus scores by a visiting player in New Zealand, with eight such scores.
Overall, Root has amassed 12,972 runs in 152 Test matches, maintaining a stellar average of 50.87. His tally includes 36 centuries and 65 fifties, further showcasing his prolific run-scoring ability.
While it is still a long road to go, Root’s current form and appetite for runs, combined with his impeccable technique, have sparked the debate about whether he could eventually surpass Tendulkar’s unmatched record in the format. With the hunger, drive, and determination he continues to display, Root’s pursuit of Test cricket’s all-time run-scorer title is very much on the cards.
