Root sets sights on surpassing Tendulkar

Joe Root, the ever-reliable batter from Sheffield, has long been acknowledged as one of the most talented players of his generation.

Yet, even the most accomplished are not immune to criticism, and for years, Root's ability to convert half-centuries into hundreds in Test cricket was questioned.

Such scrutiny might have seemed harsh for someone of his calibre, but the statistics told their own story.

However, those who doubted him have been decisively silenced in recent times. He has set out to correct what was once considered an anomaly in his game – the ratio of fifties to centuries.

In the 28 Tests following his resignation, Root has amassed eight centuries and ten half-centuries, a marked improvement from the 25 hundreds and 54 fifties he scored in his first 117 Tests. This transformation is not just significant; it is a statement of intent.

Root's latest masterstroke came on 29 AUGUST, as he crafted a sublime 143 on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's. This innings brought him level with Alastair Cook for the most centuries by an Englishman, both now sitting at 33.

Cook, who retired after 161 Tests in SEPTEMBER 2018, had long been considered England's best bet to challenge some of cricket's most enduring records, including the all-time Test runs record held by Sachin Tendulkar. Though Cook fell short, finishing more than 3,500 runs behind Tendulkar's total of 15,921, Root has now taken up the mantle, and not without cause.

At just 33 years old, despite nearly twelve years in international cricket, Root remains at the peak of his powers. He has managed to avoid significant injuries and has rarely missed a Test since his debut against India in Nagpur in DECEMBER 2012.

His current tally of 12,274 runs places him over 3,500 runs behind Tendulkar, but unlike Cook, Root has time and form on his side. Free from the burdens of captaincy, which at times seemed to weigh heavily on him, Root has rediscovered his joy for the game, and it shows.

The challenge of balancing the roles of captain and key batter has long been debated in cricketing circles. Conventional wisdom suggests that once a player becomes captain, they must compartmentalise their responsibilities, focusing solely on their batting when at the crease.

Yet, this is easier said than done, especially when a team is struggling. The final 18 months of Root's captaincy were among the most trying periods in English cricket. Although he fought valiantly, as evidenced by back-to-back centuries during the series loss in the West Indies in MARCH 2022 that eventually cost him the captaincy, there were signs that the pressures were beginning to take a toll on his spirit.

Under the guidance of Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, Root has flourished in England's new era of attacking, positive cricket.

His approach at the crease has become bolder, as evidenced by his willingness to play risky shots like the reverse-ramp against fast bowlers – a far cry from the more conservative Root of old. While this newfound aggression has occasionally led to uncharacteristic dismissals, the rewards have far outweighed the risks. Root's confidence has returned, and with it, his run-scoring prowess.

So, how likely is it that Root will surpass Tendulkar's record? Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain and one of cricket's great run-makers, believes it is within reach. Ponting recently remarked, "If his hunger's still there, then there's every chance that he could do it. He is someone that, in the last couple of years, has gotten better and better."

For Root to achieve this monumental feat, he must continue to avoid injuries, a challenge that becomes more pressing with age.

England's demanding Test schedule, which includes between 12 and 14 matches a year, provides him ample opportunity to accumulate runs, but maintaining his fitness and mental sharpness will be crucial. While Root may not be actively chasing Tendulkar's record, the rest of the cricketing world will undoubtedly be watching his every move with great interest.