Joe Root’s name is now etched firmly among cricket’s legends. This summer, Root’s brilliance with the bat has once again placed him at the heart of England’s cricketing conversation, with the nation watching closely as he chases down the greatest record in Test cricket history. His recent masterful innings against India has brought not just personal accolades but renewed hope to English cricket fans eager for a new golden era.

Rising to Second: A Manchester Masterclass

On a balmy July afternoon at Old Trafford, Joe Root played an innings of rare mastery. Arriving at the crease with national expectations high and England in need of a statement, Root delivered with authority. By the end of the third day’s play in the fourth Test against India, he had reached 150 runs — a score that propelled him past legends such as Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis and, most recently, Ricky Ponting, to become the second highest run-scorer in the history of men’s Test cricket.

Now, only the great Sachin Tendulkar stands above Root in the all-time Test runs chart, with Root’s tally climbing to a remarkable 13,409 runs. His 38th Test century during this match also ties him with Kumar Sangakkara, and positions him among the most prolific century-makers the game has seen. England’s imposing total of 544-7 — with Root leading the way — put the hosts on course for a likely series win, underlining his value not just as a run-scorer, but a match-winner.

The Pursuit of Tendulkar

Ricky Ponting, whose own record Root surpassed, summed up the mood best: “Just one more to go now,” he remarked, recognising Root’s appetite for runs and his status among cricket’s most elegant and relentless batters. The quest to overtake Tendulkar’s seemingly insurmountable 15,921 Test runs has become one of cricket’s top storylines. English fans and pundits now debate not if, but when, Root might climb to the summit.

Root himself has kept the focus on team efforts, eschewing personal milestones. In post-match interviews, he emphasised the “enjoyment element” of the game, revealing his dedication to constantly improve and to play for the team’s success. Yet, the magnitude of his achievements is becoming increasingly hard to ignore. For England, the sight of Root raising his bat has become almost routine — a sign of his continued hunger and remarkable consistency.

From Captaincy to Senior Statesman

Root’s journey has not been straightforward. His tenure as England’s Test captain lasted from 2017 to 2022 — a stretch that brought a record 27 wins in 64 Tests. However, a difficult run saw just a single win in 17 matches in 2021, leading to his decision to step down. Unlike his predecessors, Root has flourished in the years since giving up the captaincy. He has averaged over 57 in his 40 Tests as a non-captain, not just scoring heavily himself but thriving under Ben Stokes’ dynamic leadership.

The contrast with past England greats is striking. While Alastair Cook, for instance, retired soon after reaching 10,000 runs, Root shows no signs of slowing. He has spoken about aiming for future World Cups, indicating a desire to keep performing on the biggest stages.

Adapting to Modern Cricket

Root’s career is notable not only for its weight of runs but for his adaptability. He has tweaked his technique, balancing the demands of “Bazball” — the aggressive, up-tempo style England now embrace — with the orthodox strokes that made him such a reliable pillar of the batting order. Even as modern cricket challenges batters to be more innovative, Root has kept his game fresh, adding new shots but never losing sight of his classical strengths.

His influence extends off the pitch too. Team-mates speak in reverential terms about how Root trains and prepares. Ollie Pope, who shared a crucial partnership with Root during the Manchester Test, praised his “hunger and drive,” saying all England’s batters have learned something from Root’s approach. His willingness to carry his bat for long periods, to anchor the innings, and to rally younger players remains invaluable.

White-Ball Record and Future Prospects

Though Root has ruled out any return to the England limited-overs captaincy, preferring to support from the ranks as white-ball cricket enters a period of transition, he continues to contribute as a senior figure. His record in one-day internationals remains formidable, with 6,859 runs from 177 matches and 17 centuries to his name. Even as England search for new leaders in the wake of Jos Buttler’s resignation, Root’s steadying presence is a comfort to fans concerned about the team’s direction.

In 2025, Root’s limited-overs performances included 337 runs in 6 ODIs at an average of over 56 and notable performances in T20 matches too, where his highest score reached 92.

The Road Ahead

As England look ahead to the remainder of the India Test series and the upcoming Ashes, the spotlight will inevitably remain on Root. Not only is he a statistical marvel; he is England’s glue — the player others build around. If he maintains even a fraction of his recent form, Tendulkar’s all-time record, once thought untouchable, will come under serious threat.

To many, Root embodies the virtues that have sustained English cricket for over a century: resilience, technical mastery, and a quiet self-belief. In this new phase, free from captaincy burdens, Root is scaling new heights, rewriting the history books, and lifting the nation’s cricketing spirits.

His story is one of relentless drive, quiet dignity, and outstanding achievement. As summer rolls on and the crowds at Lord’s, The Oval, and Old Trafford hold their collective breath, England’s Joe Root stands on the cusp of cricketing immortality — a true master chasing the final milestone

Conclusion:

Joe Root remains a pillar of English cricket, both for his remarkable achievements and his enduring leadership on and off the field. As he continues to chase records and inspire the next generation, Root’s legacy grows stronger. His name is now synonymous with determination, excellence, and the spirit of English cricket, making him a true national sporting icon.

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