Remarkable achievement for star England batsman Joe Root, who moved up to become England’s all-time best Test run-scorer after surpassing Sir Alastair Cook. During the first Test match in Multan against Pakistan, he reached the landmark on the third day of play with an undefeated 142.
He is currently ranked fifth on the format’s all-time run scorer list as a result. As for Root’s chances of succeeding, Cook has been candid. According to Cook, who was speaking on BBC Test Match Special, his countryman might surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s world record of 15,921 runs.
He might surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record, in my opinion. I was convinced that my record would very certainly be surpassed when I retired. Sachin remains, although somewhat equitably, the favourite. Ankle injuries have befallen all great players who have played for a long time. One can never predict what lies ahead, but there must be a similar threat to stop him,” he remarked.
Sir Alastair Cook says that Ben Stokes’ succession as captain has benefited Joe Root.
Over his career, the right-hand batter has been reliable and has scored runs in a variety of situations. Ben Stokes’ assumption of the captaincy has allowed Root to flourish at the plate by relieving him of leadership burden and allowing him to play at his best.
I believed that the repercussions of being a captain and the appetite it takes away from you would be the only things stopping him. Root has benefited, in my opinion, from Ben Stokes taking over as captain. For the next several years, though, I don’t see Root losing his motivation or his capacity to keep pushing himself ahead,” he continued.
Even though he was unable to play in this Test owing to injury, current England captain Stokes acknowledged Root’s accomplishment and his unselfish nature.
An amazing quality about him is his selflessness. His abundance of runs is merely a benefit for us because he always prioritises the team. The England and Wales Cricket Board posted a video of Stokes on social media platform X, describing him as an amazing player.
Also Read: ‘It’s helping destroy Test cricket’- Kevin Pietersen continues criticism over belter Multan track for PAK vs ENG Test
England has been able to close the gap against Pakistan’s formidable first-innings total because to the 35th Test century that Root has scored and his solid partnership with Harry Brook.