Alastair Cook tips Joe Root to overhaul Tendulkar’s world Test runs record

Sir Alastair Cook believes that Joe Root has the potential to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s world record following his achievement as England's highest-ever Test run scorer. During the first Test against Pakistan in Multan, Root scored 72 not out by lunchtime on the third day, overtaking the previous record of 12,472 runs set by Cook himself.

This places him in fifth place on the all-time rankings, significantly behind the legendary Indian cricketer Tendulkar, who holds the record with 15,921 runs. However, Cook feels that surpassing this milestone is within reach. “I can envision him breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record,” Cook stated during Test Match Special.

"When I stepped down from my career, I was convinced that someone would likely surpass my record. I believed that the pressures of captaincy and the toll it takes on you could be the only things to hold him back. I think Ben Stokes taking over as captain has actually benefitted Joe Root. While some might argue that Sachin Tendulkar still holds the top spot, it’s a close call. All the top players who had lengthy careers often dodged serious injuries. The future is always uncertain, and something unexpected could hinder him, but I don’t foresee Root losing his drive or the ability to push himself for the next few years."

Root's accomplishment was praised by the current England captain, Stokes, who is currently in Pakistan but will miss the first Test due to injury. “His selflessness is a remarkable quality,” Stokes said in a video shared by the England and Wales Cricket Board on X. “He always prioritizes the team, and the numerous runs he has accumulated are just an added bonus for us. He’s an extraordinary player. It will be a long time before anyone is able to break that record. He’s just a fantastic guy, and scoring that many runs is an unbelievable achievement. His unselfishness truly distinguishes him from anyone else who will represent England in the future.”

Root received accolades from two other former England captains, Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain. Atherton reflected on Root's Test debut in Nagpur against India back in 2012, stating on Sky Sports: “It's been twelve years of outstanding performance. I was present in Nagpur and thought to myself, ‘This player is destined for greatness,’ but you still have to translate that promise into actual results. It's tough to recall a period when his performance has dipped. He has been remarkably consistent over the years, and he does it in a way that is truly enjoyable to watch. He’s a true champion and undoubtedly one of our finest players, if not the best we’ve ever had.”

Hussain thinks that Root's upbeat mindset has been crucial to his achievements. He stated, "He has showcased incredible skill, a variety of shots, a strong mentality, and an insatiable drive. Over the past 12 years, he has consistently played with a smile, which we all know isn't always easy since the sport can be tough at times. Growing up, he would tell himself, ‘If I get the chance to play for England, I want to cherish the experience and truly enjoy it, never taking for granted the privilege of representing my country.’ He seems to have accomplished that, which is an extraordinary feat. Beyond that, he is an exceptionally good person and a wonderful representative of our sport."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer took to X to congratulate Joe Root, stating: “Well done to Joe Root for becoming England's top Test run scorer. This is an incredible accomplishment by an exceptional cricketer who continues to improve.”

Root arrived in Pakistan needing 71 runs to claim the top position, and he achieved this in his initial innings, securing a title he has been destined for in a confident manner on the third day in Multan. The 33-year-old took his place among the greats with a stylish cover drive that earned him four runs off Aamer Jamal. This accomplishment marked his ascent to fifth place on the all-time runs list in his 147th Test match, which is 14 matches fewer than Cook played before he retired in 2018.

The occasion was understated and went by largely unnoticed by local supporters, celebrated only by a brief exchange of gloves with his batting partner Ben Duckett and a friendly pat on the back. This achievement positions Root among the top scorers in Test cricket history, trailing only behind Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, Ricky Ponting, and Sachin Tendulkar.