In the ever-evolving story that is Test cricket, Joe Root is posing a very real threat of passing the great Sachin Tendulkar as the highest run-scorer in Test history.
Root has demonstrated consistency, adaptability, and a fresh ignition of his game via Bazball, reaching new levels in what was once thought to be a declining career. And while comparisons to Tendulkar may seem far-fetched, the trends and numbers suggest that not only is it possible it is more than likely.
How Close is Joe Root to Beating Tendulkar?
Since 2020, Joe Root has scored 89.62 runs per Test on average. At this rate, he might equal or exceed Tendulkar’s record in around 27 more Tests. With England having 16 more Tests lined up by April 2027, and at least 11 more by the end of summer 2028, Root, who at this point will still be just 37, looks to have a highly realistic chance if he continues in this form.
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Joe Root’s Figures in Perspective: A Harder Time for Batsmen
Root’s run-scoring becomes even more impressive when seen in the context of history. The career Test batting average is 29.83, which makes his era a more bowler-friendly time than those of Tendulkar, Ponting, Kallis, or Dravid. His overall average might be slightly less than the others in the top five run-getters, but the toughness of the era makes his achievement greater.
Joe Root vs The Fab Four: Who is in the Driver’s Seat?
Now, when it comes to the legendary Fab Four (Root, Kohli, Smith, Williamson), Root has begun to assert his dominance:
- Most Test runs of the four
- Only one with over 6000 runs at home and away
- Most Tests played of the four
- Top strike rate since 2022
While Steve Smith and Kane Williamson have better batting averages, Root’s sheer volume, longevity, and adaptability in different conditions give him a unique edge. Add to that Kohli’s retirement from Tests and Williamson’s irregular schedule, and Joe Root stands alone as the standard-bearer of consistency.
The Bazball Revolution: A Turning Point in Joe Root’s Career
Root’s evolution under Brendon McCullum’s Bazball regime has been dramatic. From being the most conservative of the Fab Four, he’s now one of the most explosive Test batsmen out there.
Pre-Bazball: Root was the least aggressive of the Fab Four.
Post-Bazball: He sports the highest strike rate amongst them.
Dot ball % (first 50 balls): Reduced from 75% to below 66%
Overall dot ball %: Declined by almost 9%
Although he at first wrestled with embracing Bazball’s attacking ethos, Joe Root has thrived, introducing shots such as the reverse scoop, and raising his intent, especially against fast bowlers.
Why Joe Root’s Recent Evolution Is Important
While Root was already world-class in his fundamentals, his capacity to reinvent himself in his prime separates him from many of his peers. While so many veteran players top out, Root has:
Enhanced his scoring options
Improved his conversion rate (from 30.2% to 55% of 50s converting to 100s after Ashes)
Shifted his batting dominance from spin to seam
Succeeded in almost all Test-playing countries
During the post-2022 period, Root’s aggression and adaptability have established him as a key player in England’s batting comeback under Bazball.
Joe Root’s Record Around the World
Root’s strength is his dominance on the world stage. Of the ten nations he’s represented, he’s over 45 in eight of them, including:
South Africa: 50.21 average (vs top-class fast bowling)
West Indies: 51.50
India & England: Strong figures in the most challenging contemporary conditions
His sole actual fault is an average of 35.68 in Australia, and a 24.50 in Bangladesh (from a mere 2 Tests). That omission of a big century in Australia might look back to haunt him, but he has time and the talent to rectify that in the next Ashes series.
Joe Root’s Greatest Strength: Adaptability and Completeness
Root’s greatness is not only the runs, but the scope of his accomplishments:|
Most 500+ run aggregates in various nations among the Fab Four
Home Runs: 7329 (behind only Ponting); 250 shy of being the highest-scoring home run machine ever
Seam Dominance: A significant change after 2021, now hitting more freely against pace rather than spin
Playing Across Eras: From Alastair Cook England to the Bazball era Root has adapted in all conditions
While other nations such as India and Australia tend to limit small countries to two-Test series, England’s cumbersome Test schedule against all opponents has given Root the opportunity to display his excellence in diverse conditions.
With a Test average of the 50s and a career founded on resilience, evolution, and unparalleled adaptability, Joe Root is quickly becoming England’s greatest-ever Test batter. Names such as Cook, Pietersen, Hutton, and Gooch have their place in history, but none have reached Root’s level of longevity, consistency, and impact.
Will Joe Root Become Test Cricket’s GOAT
If he can continue in the same vein and keep himself fit, Joe Root is set to break Sachin Tendulkar’s record for being the highest Test run-scorer ever. Even if he doesn’t quite do it, however, his status among the greats of all time already stands guaranteed.
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