England's star batter Joe Root has expressed his deep admiration for cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar after surpassing Alastair Cook to become England's all-time leading run-scorer in Test cricket. Root, who achieved the milestone during the ongoing series against Pakistan, said that even being in the same conversation as Tendulkar is an honor.
Root's Humble Reaction
Speaking to the media after reaching the landmark, Root stated, "To even be in a conversation with Sachin Tendulkar is enough for me. He is a legend of the game, and I grew up watching him. To have my name mentioned alongside his is something I never dreamed of." The 35-year-old right-hander surpassed Cook's record of 12,472 runs during the second Test in Multan, becoming the first Englishman to cross the 13,000-run mark.
Breaking Down the Achievement
Root's journey to the top has been remarkable. He made his Test debut in 2012 and has since scored 34 centuries, placing him among the elite. His consistency across conditions has drawn comparisons to the greats, including Tendulkar, who holds the record for most Test runs (15,921). Root is now seventh on the all-time list and is the highest-ranked active player.
When asked about chasing Tendulkar's record, Root remained grounded. "I don't think about records. I just try to do my job for the team. If I can contribute to winning matches, that's what matters most. Sachin's record is extraordinary, and I'm just happy to be in the conversation."
Praise from Peers
Former England captain Michael Vaughan lauded Root's achievement, saying, "Joe is a modern great. His hunger for runs is unmatched. To see him break Alastair's record is special, and he deserves all the praise." Meanwhile, current captain Ben Stokes added, "Joe is the backbone of our batting lineup. His work ethic is incredible, and he leads by example."
Root's milestone comes at a crucial time for England, as they look to build momentum ahead of the Ashes series. With his form and experience, Root remains a key figure in England's Test setup. As he continues to pile on runs, the cricketing world watches to see how far he can go.
