Watch: Joe Root on 'lean patch' and chasing Sachin Tendulkar's test record

England batter Joe Root has shared his thoughts on the possibility of surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record to become the highest run-scorer in Test cricket. Currently in excellent form during the ongoing Test series between England and the West Indies, Root scored a remarkable century in the second innings of the second Test at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. This performance has elevated him to the eighth spot on the list of all-time Test run-scorers, surpassing West Indies legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

"You have to pinch yourself a little bit really" 🤩

Joe Root on moving to eighth on the list of Test cricket's all-time top run-scorers 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/f344XWcBeZ

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 26, 2024

With all the players ranked above Root now retired, he has a strong opportunity to advance further up the list. As of now, Root is the leading run-scorer in Test cricket among contemporary players, significantly ahead of his closest rival, Steve Smith.

Joe Root speaks out on targeting Sachin Tendulkar’s record

In a chat with Sky Sports, Joe Root reflected on his Test cricket journey and his place among the all-time greats. “When I walked out at Nagpur, I never imagined reaching this level. I was just happy to play one game. To be mentioned alongside such incredible players feels surreal, like you’re waiting to wake up. I’m very humbled, but it’s a nice feeling,” Root shared.

The interview, hosted by former England fast bowler Stuart Broad, touched on whether Root could surpass Sachin Tendulkar as the No. 1 run-scorer. Root responded that he needs to stay focused and not think too far ahead.

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“Who knows? I might hit a lean patch after all this talk,” Root joked. “Honestly, you never know what will happen in the next few games. We just need to keep working hard, step by step, and see where it leads.”

Joe Root: England’s all-time leading run-scorer

Joe Root is one of the most successful batters in cricket history. To date, he has amassed 11,940 runs in 142 Tests at an average of 49.95, with 32 centuries and 62 fifties.

Among English cricketers, Root is the leading run-scorer overall. He has accumulated 19,355 runs in 345 international matches at an average of 48.26. The second-highest English run-scorer, Alastair Cook, trails Root by nearly 4,000 runs.