Joe Root: A Record-Breaking Batter on the Cusp of History

Joe Root, England’s elegant and prolific right-handed batter, is carving out a legacy as one of the greatest Test cricketers of all time, and he’s not done yet. At 34 years old, Root is not just accumulating runs; he’s systematically climbing the all-time charts, putting himself in contention to break some of the sport’s most hallowed records.

Just recently, during the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy (July 2025), Root’s majestic 150 at Old Trafford against India saw him leapfrog an elite list of legends including Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and his former captain Ricky Ponting, to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history. He now stands with 13,409 runs from 157 Tests, trailing only the iconic Sachin Tendulkar’s colossal tally of 15,921 runs.

The cricketing world is abuzz with predictions about whether Root can surpass Tendulkar’s seemingly unassailable record. Former England captain Michael Vaughan has boldly stated his belief that Root will indeed break the record, even going so far as to predict it will happen in the fourth Test against Australia in 2027. Ricky Ponting, whose record Root recently surpassed, also strongly backs the Yorkshireman, citing his incredible form since turning 30 and his consistent appetite for runs.

Root’s recent century at Old Trafford was his 38th in Test cricket, drawing him level with Kumar Sangakkara on the all-time century list. This remarkable conversion rate, especially his 25 centuries since turning 30, underscores his sustained excellence and determination. With 14 more centuries needed to equal Tendulkar’s record of 51 Test tons, and an average of 85 runs per game in recent years, Root is well on track to challenge that milestone as well.

Beyond the numbers, Root’s batting is a testament to his skill, composure, and adaptability. He combines classical technique with an ability to score freely, making him a threat in all conditions. While he may not be “obsessed with stats,” as many of his contemporaries and former players attest, his sheer volume and consistency are setting him apart.

As England continues its Test assignments, with many matches lined up in the current ICC World Test Championship cycle, Joe Root will undoubtedly remain a central figure. The question is no longer if he will break more records, but how many, and how high he will ascend in the pantheon of Test cricket’s greatest batters. The next few years promise to be a fascinating chapter in the career of this remarkable cricketer.