Joe Root, the prolific English batsman, is steadily closing in on the monumental milestone set by India’s cricketing icon, Sachin Tendulkar, in terms of Test runs. As Root’s followers and cricket enthusiasts in England eagerly watch his every innings, hopes are high that he might one day surpass Tendulkar’s unmatched record in Test cricket. Root’s formidable performance in the ongoing Test series against Pakistan in Multan, where he broke not one but three significant records previously held by Tendulkar, has added more fuel to the speculation.
In a display of batting prowess and remarkable concentration, Joe Root crafted his sixth double-century in Test cricket during the fourth day’s play. His marathon knock culminated in a score of 262, showcasing his extraordinary ability to wear down opposition bowling attacks over extended periods. What made this achievement more notable is that it marked the fourth occasion Root has crossed the double-century mark outside the familiar comforts of home. By doing so, he has now overtaken Sachin Tendulkar, who achieved three double centuries away from India throughout his illustrious career.
Diving deeper into the comparison between Root and Tendulkar in terms of their achievements outside home soil, another fascinating aspect emerges. With his double-century in Pakistan, Root has now accomplished this feat in five different countries during his Test career. Tendulkar, often revered as the epitome of batting excellence, managed to score double centuries in four countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka alongside his home nation, India. Root’s list includes England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, India, and now Pakistan, highlighting his adaptability to various playing conditions around the world.
For those needing a refresher, Joe Root’s double-century tally now includes notable performances in England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, India, and his latest achievement in Pakistan.
. On the other hand, Tendulkar’s career-best innings of 248 not out took place in Bangladesh in 2004, complemented by a sterling 241 not out against Australia in Sydney just the previous year. Yet, Root’s current form indicates a potential to mount even more impressive scores.
A notable aspect of Root’s innings in Pakistan was his ability to etch his name into the record books by scoring the second-highest innings for an overseas player in the country. Standing tall alongside him, albeit slightly ahead, is his formidable teammate Harry Brook, who has gone past Root’s score to be atop this list. Tendulkar, during his visits to Pakistan, recorded his highest at 194 not out in Multan back in 2004—a match which became notorious when India declared their innings leaving him just shy of a double century.
Furthermore, Root’s penchant for breaking records does not just stop at surpassing Tendulkar. The dedication he has shown throughout his career suggests that he might be on a path to redefine modern Test batting. While it is a challenging road ahead to match Tendulkar’s incredible tally of over 15,000 Test runs, Root’s progression indicates that he could be the cricketing legend of his generation, moving steadily towards creating his own unique legacy.
The cricketing community continues to watch Joe Root’s ascent with keen interest, as every time he steps onto the field, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation over what new heights he might reach. His journey towards Tendulkar’s record isn’t merely about breaking numbers; it’s a testament to his mastery of the game, his dedication, and his ability to adapt to different conditions and challenges. Indeed, as Root gets ever closer to Tendulkar’s records, fans worldwide remain enthralled by this ongoing narrative of modern cricketing greatness. Only time will tell if he will ultimately eclipse one of the most revered records in the sport’s history.
