Most Runs in Test: Joe Root surpasses Kumar Sangakkara, but how far behind Sachin Tendulkar

Vilas Dhadke
8 Min Read
Joe Root
Joe Root and Sachin Tendulkar.
Source : Social Media

Joe Root In Test Format:

England batsman Joe Root is scoring runs continuously. Joe Root’s bat is on fire in the series against Sri Lanka. At the same time, Joe Root has become the sixth highest run scorer in the Test format. Joe Root has left behind Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara. Kumar Sangakkara scored 12400 runs in his Test career. He scored 12400 runs in 233 innings of 134 Tests. But now Joe Root has left behind Kumar Sangakkara.

What is the distance between Joe Root and Sachin Tendulkar

Till now Joe Root has scored 12402 runs in 267 innings of 146 test matches. Kumar Sangakkara scored runs at an average of 57.40. Whereas, Joe Root’s average has been 50.62. Sachin Tendulkar is at the top in the list of batsmen who have scored the most runs in the test format. Sachin Tendulkar has 15921 runs in 329 innings of 200 test matches. There is a difference of 3519 runs between Joe Root and Sachin Tendulkar. Also Joe Root is just 33 years old. Joe Root has scored 3785 runs in the last 3 years.

These batsmen have excelled in the Test format

In the list of batsmen who have scored the most runs in the Test format, after Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting, comes Jacques Kallis. Ricky Ponting scored 13378 runs in his Test career. While South African legend Jacques Kallis has 13289 runs to his name. Rahul Dravid is at the fourth place in this list. Rahul Dravid scored 13288 runs in the Test format. After these batsmen comes the name of former England captain Alastair Cook. He scored 12472 runs in his Test career. After Alastair Cook, Joe Root is included in the list of batsmen who have scored the most runs.

In the ever-evolving landscape of Test cricket, where records are set and broken with each passing series, Joe Root has etched his name into the annals of cricketing history by surpassing Kumar Sangakkara for the most runs in Test cricket. This significant milestone cements Root’s place among the greatest batsmen in the sport’s history. But as Root revels in his achievement, the question remains: how close is he to catching the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, the current record-holder for most Test runs? Let’s delve into this milestone and explore how far Root is from reaching Tendulkar’s iconic record.

Joe Root’s Achievement: A New Chapter in Test Cricket

Joe Root, England’s prolific batsman and former captain, has been a stalwart in Test cricket for over a decade. His consistency, technique, and resilience have earned him a place among the greats of the game. Root’s recent achievement of surpassing Kumar Sangakkara — the Sri Lankan maestro who held the record for the most runs in Test cricket for several years — is a testament to his enduring skill and dedication.

Sangakkara’s record of 12,400 runs had stood the test of time, and Root’s surpassing of this milestone adds a new chapter to his illustrious career. This achievement highlights Root’s remarkable ability to perform across different conditions and against various bowling attacks, solidifying his status as one of the finest batsmen of his generation.

Sachin Tendulkar’s Record: The Pinnacle of Test Run Scoring

The record for the most runs in Test cricket is held by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, whose career total of 15,921 runs remains unmatched. Tendulkar’s career, which spanned 24 years, was marked by extraordinary consistency, technical brilliance, and an unmatched hunger for runs. His records, including the highest number of centuries in Test cricket, are testaments to his phenomenal talent and endurance.

How Far Behind is Joe Root?

As of the latest records, Joe Root has amassed around 12,500 Test runs, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara’s tally but still trailing Sachin Tendulkar by a significant margin. Here’s a breakdown of how Root’s career figures stack up against Tendulkar’s monumental record:

  • Sachin Tendulkar: 15,921 Test runs
  • Joe Root: Approximately 12,500 Test runs

The difference between Tendulkar’s record and Root’s current total is around 3,421 runs. This gap highlights the sheer scale of Tendulkar’s achievement and the challenges that Root faces if he aims to reach or surpass this record.

The Road Ahead for Joe Root

For Joe Root to close the gap between himself and Sachin Tendulkar, several factors will play a role:

  1. Longevity and Consistency: Tendulkar’s record is a product of his longevity and consistent performance over two decades. Root will need to maintain his form and fitness over the coming years to approach Tendulkar’s tally.
  2. Team and Series Opportunities: Root’s ability to close the gap will depend on England’s Test schedule and the opportunities he gets to play. Regular participation in Test matches and a strong performance in key series will be crucial.
  3. Adaptation and Resilience: Adapting to various playing conditions and bouncing back from form slumps will be essential for Root. Tendulkar’s success was marked by his ability to adapt to different pitches and opponents, a trait Root will need to emulate.

Historical Context and Future Prospects

Root’s achievement of surpassing Kumar Sangakkara is no small feat and places him among the elite batsmen in Test cricket history. However, closing the gap to Tendulkar’s record will require a combination of sustained excellence, good health, and a bit of fortune.

Cricket fans will be watching with bated breath to see how Root’s career unfolds and whether he can inch closer to Tendulkar’s unparalleled record. While Tendulkar’s record remains a towering achievement, Root’s continued success and contribution to Test cricket will undoubtedly add to his legacy and potentially bring him closer to this lofty milestone.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Greatness

Joe Root’s surpassing of Kumar Sangakkara’s Test run record is a significant milestone that highlights his exceptional talent and dedication. While he remains several thousand runs behind Sachin Tendulkar, the journey to approach or surpass Tendulkar’s record is an inspiring challenge for any cricketer.

As Root continues his career, the cricketing world will closely follow his progress, eager to see if he can further elevate his status among the game’s greatest players. For now, Joe Root’s achievement stands as a testament to his skill and perseverance, and his pursuit of Tendulkar’s record will be a captivating chapter in the history of Test cricket.

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