Joe Root : Close to breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s Test Record

Joe Root : Near to break Sachin Tendulkar’s Test Record: In the grand theatre of Test cricket, every era has its torchbearers — players who rise above the challenges, adapt with time, and carry the hopes of millions. Over the past four years, that player for England has been Joe Root.

From 2021 to 2025, Joe Root has delivered one masterclass after another, proving that classic technique, mental strength, and adaptability can still conquer even in a rapidly changing cricketing world.

📈 2021: Root’s Year of Reinvention

Joe Root’s journey from an already-established batter to a modern-day great truly began in 2021. It was the year that transformed him from a dependable run-getter into a record-smashing phenomenon.

• He started the year with a double century (228) in Galle against Sri Lanka.
• Followed it up with 218 vs India in Chennai, where he dominated one of the most fearsome spin attacks.
• He ended the year with 1,708 runs in 15 Tests, averaging over 61 — a performance only bettered in history by Mohammad Yousuf (1,788 runs in 2006) and Viv Richards (1,710 in 1976).

Root’s batting during this period was a mixture of patience and precision. His cover drives were poetry in motion, and his sweep shot became a lethal weapon, especially in Asia.

“I’ve never seen him play better,” said former captain Michael Vaughan during the Chennai Test. And that summed it all.

⚡ 2022: Embracing Bazball, Staying Joe Root

When England moved into the fearless Bazball era under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, some wondered whether Root’s more classical approach would fit. But the former captain didn’t just adapt — he thrived.

In a year that saw England chase down targets at warp speed and play an attacking brand of cricket, Root remained an anchor and innovator.

• His 142 vs India at Edgbaston* was a beautiful balance of traditional Test temperament and flair.
• Against New Zealand, he played the now-iconic reverse scoop for six off Tim Southee, which went viral and symbolized the new Root — more fearless, more expressive.

Root continued to lead with the bat despite no longer being captain. His runs were vital in England’s clean sweep over New Zealand and comeback wins at home.

🧠 2023: Silent Leader, Reliable Performer

2023 wasn’t about loud centuries or breaking records. It was about grit, resilience, and mentorship.

Root was a steady presence during the Ashes 2023, often battling hostile bowling from Australia. While the series ended in a draw (2-2), Root’s efforts ensured England remained competitive throughout.

• A crucial 84* at Lord’s.
• A brave 93 in Manchester, where he held the innings together.

He also played a pivotal role in England’s tour of Pakistan, helping the team navigate tricky pitches with his spin game.

He wasn’t always the top-scorer, but every time England was in trouble, Root stepped up — calm, composed, and classy.

🏏 2024 to 2025: Aging Like Fine Wine

As Root moved into the later phase of his career, he became wiser, calmer, and even more technically refined.

• In 2024, Root crossed the 11,000-run mark in Tests — a milestone few have achieved.
• On a tough tour of India, where many foreign batters struggle, Root played a memorable 96-run knock on a rank turner in Ahmedabad.
• In early 2025, he guided England to a series win over West Indies with scores of 78, 45, and 102*, showing he’s still a match-winner.

He’s also become England’s unofficial batting coach on the field, guiding younger talents like Harry Brook and Zak Crawley.

📊 Joe Root’s Stats (2021–2025)

Here’s a snapshot of Joe Root’s Test performance across these years:

Year	Matches	Runs	Average	100s
2021	15	1,708	61.00	6
2022	11	1,098	45.75	4
2023	12	970	44.09	2
2024	8	745	49.66	2
2025*	3	295	58.00	1
Total	49	4,816	50.17	15

*2025 stats are up to July.

🧩 More Than Just Numbers

Root’s contribution cannot be measured by numbers alone.

• He has scored runs across all conditions — Asia, Australia, England, West Indies, South Africa.
• He has played all roles — opener (occasionally), No. 3, No. 4, anchor, aggressor, and even finisher under Bazball.
• His part-time off-spin has often broken crucial partnerships, especially on Day 5.

Perhaps his biggest quality is his humility. Even after giving up the captaincy, he remained a guiding figure in the team — quietly influencing strategies, helping youngsters, and always putting the team first.

🏆 Legacy in the Making

Joe Root now ranks among the top 5 run-scorers in Test history. He has scored the most runs in Test matches for England and is possibly their most technically sound batsman since Sir Alastair Cook.

But more than records, Root has become a symbol of Test cricket’s beauty — of long innings, mental toughness, and the joy of traditional cricket.

At a time when many players are leaning towards T20 leagues, Root has stood tall as a proud flagbearer of the red-ball game.

💬 Final Thoughts

In an era of cricket filled with white-ball glitter and short-term fame, Joe Root’s journey reminds us of the timeless charm of Test cricket.

From 2021 to 2025, he has written a remarkable story — not just of numbers and milestones, but of grace, leadership, reinvention, and consistency.

As Root continues his journey, fans across the globe will hope the story still has many chapters left.

Joe Root didn’t just have a good four years — he redefined what greatness looks like in modern-day Test cricket.

Disclaimer

As of the time of writing, the data, match logs, and cricket analysis that are used in this blog are all publicly accessible. Although every attempt has been taken to assure correctness, future changes or revisions from official sources may cause the figures and information to differ slightly. This article is written from a human-friendly point of view and is only meant to be entertaining and educational. We make no claims to be associated with the England Cricket Board (ECB), Joe Root, or any other official cricket body.