Joe Root has expressed a strong desire to continue contributing to England’s success in Test cricket while eyeing significant milestones, including the chance to break Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most runs in Test matches.
Personal milestones don’t drive Root; he solely intends to produce performances that contribute to England’s victory.
“I think you judge yourself on how many games you can affect and how many games you can help win. So I think that’s a big driver for me is how many times you can contribute to winning games for England. I think the mindset of trying to be successful in whatever conditions are in front of you is a good enough driver for me to keep going, keep enjoying, and keep playing. So I enjoy it at the moment,” Root said in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Pakistan Test series.
For Root, achieving a milestone and then bringing down the curtains on his career is not something that lingers in his mind. He is focused on enjoying, having fun, and using it as a driving factor to keep on playing Test cricket.
“I see myself playing Test cricket for a lot longer. It is not like I am going to get to a certain mark or number and say I am done now. I just want to keep enjoying the game and keep playing. It is a great team to play in. We have so much fun on and off the field. As long as I have that feeling inside me, I will have plenty of drive and determination to keep going and help England win Test matches,” Root added.
He also noted his intention to play red-ball cricket for several more years, driven by enjoyment of the game and the camaraderie within the team.
As England prepares for their three-match Test series against Pakistan, starting in Multan on October 7, they will be without their regular captain, Ben Stokes, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Ollie Pope is set to take on the captaincy for the opening Test.
