Can England’s Cricket Legend Break the Master Blaster’s Test Run Record? - Best11.in

The English introduced cricket betting to the world, but they had to watch as those who learned the game surpassed them. Ultimately, an Englishman, Joseph Edward Root, is poised to ascend to cricket’s highest throne. On December 30, 2020, Joe Root, aged 30, had only 17 Test centuries to his name. In comparison, Virat Kohli had 27, Steve Smith 26, and Kane Williamson 23. Among the “Fab Four” of cricket, Root was the furthest behind. 

Four years later, the record books tell a different story. In four and a half years, Root more than doubled his centuries, reaching 37. Meanwhile, Kohli, with just three more centuries, retired from Test cricket. Unlike others, Root hasn’t been a prominent figure in the glitzy IPL or colorful franchise cricket jerseys, nor is he seen as a marketable brand. Yet, he turned this into an opportunity, amassing 37 Test centuries.

Root now sits among cricketing legends. Just 120 more runs will see him surpass three giants. With 13,259 runs from 156 matches, he’s 30 runs shy of overtaking Rahul Dravid and 31 runs from surpassing Jacques Kallis. To eclipse Ricky Ponting, he needs 120 runs—an achievable feat in a single innings, potentially placing him second on the all-time run-scorers’ list. 

The question remains: can Root surpass Sachin Tendulkar? The Master Blaster’s Himalayan 15,921 runs, built over two and a half decades, is the target. Based on form and statistics, the answer seems yes. Root, with 13,259 runs, needs 2,663 more—a daunting but not impossible task. By December 20, 2025, Root will turn 35. With two or three years left in international cricket, he must score over 1,000 runs annually to catch Tendulkar. 

Last year, Root scored 1,556 runs, and this year, he’s at 287 runs with a 47 average. With two Tests against India and four in the Ashes remaining in 2025, his chances are strong. England’s emphasis on Test cricket, unlike other nations that have reduced Test matches post-2020, favors Root. England plays the most Tests in the World Test Championship cycle, and upcoming home series against Pakistan and New Zealand, where Root has a strong record, bolster his prospects. 

Root excels against spin, making the Bangladesh series another opportunity. His averages—54 at home and 46 away—reflect his consistency. Against India, he’s scored 3,099 runs with 11 centuries, matching Steve Smith’s record for most centuries against them. However, his lack of a century in Australia, where he averages 35 over 14 matches, remains a blemish. The 2025 Ashes could change that.

Handing the captaincy to Ben Stokes has enhanced Root’s batting, and under Brendon McCullum’s “Bazball” revolution, he’s adopted a more aggressive style. While Root insists his focus is on team victories, not records, overtaking Tendulkar’s rare feat is undoubtedly enticing. Another Englishman, Alastair Cook, was once tipped to surpass Tendulkar after crossing 12,000 runs at 33, but persistent form slumps led to his retirement before 35. Root, however, has peaked in his 30s.

Even if Root surpasses Tendulkar’s runs, fans argue the Master Blaster’s legacy—bolstered by a 53 average in Australia and 51 centuries (14 more than Root)—will remain untarnished. Time will tell if Root can close the gap, but his current form suggests the distance is within reach.