‘Can see him overhauling Sachin Tendulkar’s record’ – Alastair Cook after Joe Root breaks his Test record

Joe Root (Source – Getty Images)

Star England batter Joe Root recorded an impressive feat as he surpassed Sir Alastair Cook to become England’s highest Test run-scorer. He achieved the milestone during the first Test against Pakistan in Multan, with an unbeaten 142 on the third day of play.

With this, he is now the fifth-highest run-scorer in the all-time list of the format. Meanwhile, Cook has opened up on Root’s potential to reach to the top. Speaking on BBC Test Match Special, Cook believes that his compatriot could go on to break Sachin Tendulkar’s world record of 15,921 runs.

“I can see him overhauling Sachin Tendulkar’s record. When I retired, I thought there was every chance that my record would be broken. You could say Sachin is still the favourite but just. All great players who played for a long time have been lucky with injuries. You just never know what’s around the corner but it has to be something like it that could stop him,” he said.

Also Read: Joe Root breaks multiple records with his sublime 35th Test ton in Multan

Ben Stokes taking over the captaincy has helped Root: Sir Alastair Cook

The right-hand batter has been consistent and has scored runs across various conditions throughout his career. Since Ben Stokes took over the captaincy, Root’s batting has evolved and has freed him from the pressure of leadership, bringing out his best with the bat.

“I thought only the effects of captaincy and the hunger that takes out of you would stop him. I think the fact that Ben Stokes has taken over the captaincy has helped Root. But I don’t see that happening for Root to lose that hunger and ability to keep driving himself forward for the next couple of years,” he added.

Current England captain Stokes, although sidelined due to injury for this Test, praised Root’s achievement and his selfless approach to the game.

“The selflessness that he has is an incredible attribute for him. He always puts the team first, and the fact that he’s got so many runs is just a bonus for us. He’s an incredible player,” Stokes said in a video released by the England and Wales Cricket Board on social media site X.

Meanwhile, Root notched up his 35th Test century and has put up a strong partnership with Harry Brook, helping England narrow the deficit against Pakistan’s strong first-innings total.

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