When 2026 rolled around, Joe Root had just turned 35, and suddenly, some of the biggest records in Test cricket were right in front of him. Many of them belong to Sachin Tendulkar, and Root is now chasing milestones like most Test runs, centuries, fifties, 50-plus scores, and even appearances. It raises an exciting question for cricket fans. Can Root really break them all, or will he call time before getting there?
Joe Root’s Test Future
Joe Root recently spoke about his future after a brilliant knock of 160 against Australia in the fifth and final Test of the 2025–26 Ashes. It was another standout moment in a strong series for him. Earlier, he had scored an unbeaten 138 in Brisbane. What made these innings special was the fact that Root had never scored a Test hundred in Australia across his first three tours. This time, he managed two in the same series.
Will Joe Root Return for Another Ashes in Australia?
England are set to tour Australia again in early 2027 for a one-off Test at the MCG to mark 150 years of Test cricket. However, the next full Ashes series Down Under will be in 2029–30. By then, Root will be 39. While he has said he would love to be part of it, he has stopped short of making any promises.
During the final Test, Root was seen acknowledging the crowd, which led to some speculation that it might have been his last appearance in Australia. He later cleared the air when speaking to reporters.
“I think you might be looking into it a little bit too much. I just felt like we’ve had some amazing support throughout this series, and we’ve not been able to achieve what we set out to as a group. But at no point has that (support) ever wavered, and that’s never wavered whenever I’ve come out here on tour, it’s been exceptional. And it’s a way of saying thank you, really. Who knows? We’ll see. I’d love to, but we’ll see how things unfold in time,” he told reporters.
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How Close Is Root to Sachin Tendulkar’s Records?
At the moment, Root is 1,985 runs away from becoming the highest run-scorer in Test cricket. To go past Sachin Tendulkar’s records, he also needs 11 more centuries, three fifties, 13 more 50-plus scores, and 38 Test appearances.
Joe Root already has some major achievements to his name. He holds the record for most runs in World Test Championship history and has taken more catches than anyone else in Test cricket. How many of Sachin’s records he eventually breaks will depend largely on how long he decides to play.
Joe Root’s Legacy Is Already Secure:
No matter what happens next, Joe Root’s place among the greats is beyond doubt. Since 2012, he has been one of England’s most reliable run-scorers, and over the past five years, he has taken his game to another level altogether.
Whether he finishes his career having overtaken Sachin Tendulkar in one record or several, Root’s impact on Test cricket is undeniable. How many runs and centuries he ends up with is something only time will reveal, but his legacy as an England legend is already written.
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