Introduction
Joe Root, the master batsman of England, has been rewriting the history of cricket with his insatiable appetite for runs in Test cricket. As of July 2025, Root has become one of the all-time greats, third on the list of highest run-scorers in Test cricket, above legends like Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis. With 13,259 Joe Root Test runs to his name, the question on every cricket fan’s mind is, can he catch Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 15,921 runs?
With the India vs England 2025 Test series underway, this blog looks into Root’s incredible journey, his chances of catching Tendulkar, and why this is a defining moment in cricket history. Whether you’re an England cricket die-hard or a Test cricket record lover, this is a story you won’t want to miss.
Journey of Joe Root Test Runs
Joe Root’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of amazing. Born in Yorkshire, Root made his England debut in 2012 and quickly established himself as the mainstay. His elegant strokeplay, technical perfection, and ability to anchor innings have drawn comparisons to Michael Vaughan and Geoffrey Boycott. As of July 2025, Root has played 156 Tests, scored 13,259 runs at 51, with 38 centuries and 61 half-centuries.
Key Milestones in Joe Root Test Runs and Career
- First Test Century: Root announced himself with a 104 against New Zealand at Headingley in 2013, showing he could dominate top-quality bowling.
- Youngest Ashes Centurion: In 2013, at 22, Root scored 180 against Australia at Lord’s, won Man of the Match, and became the main man in the middle order.
- Double Century Against Sri Lanka: In 2014, Root’s unbeaten 200 at Lord’s against Sri Lanka showed his love for big scores.
- Surpassed Alastair Cook: In October 2024, Root overtook Cook to become England’s highest Test run-scorer with a 262 against Pakistan.* Fastest to 13000 Runs: In May 2025, in a one-off Test against Zimbabwe, Root became the fastest to 13,000 Test runs in 279 innings.
Root is consistent. Since 2021, he has averaged 53.79; 12 of his 38 Test centuries have been against India, and he is a force to be reckoned with in the ongoing India vs England 2025 series. He has silenced his early critics and his recent performances, 104 off 199 balls in the 4th Test against India, show he is in form.
Sachin Tendulkars Record The Ultimate Benchmark
Sachin Tendulkar, the “Little Master,” holds the record for most runs in Test cricket with 15,921 in 200 matches. His tally includes 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries in a 24-year career. Tendulkar’s record has been considered untouchable for long; only Ricky Ponting (13,378 runs) among retired players came close. Root at 34 is 2,662 runs behind Tendulkar as of July 2025, and with England’s packed Test schedule, the chase is on.
Why Tendulkar’s Record Is So Tough to Beat
- Longevity: Tendulkar played 200 Tests, 47 more than Root’s current 156. Root would need to play at least 3-4 years more to play a similar number of matches.
- Consistency Across Eras: Tendulkar faced different bowling attacks, from Wasim Akram to Shane Warne, across different conditions and averaged 53.78.
- Pressure of Expectations: As India’s cricketing icon Tendulkar carried the weight of a billion hopes and delivered consistently.
Despite these challenges, Root’s current form suggests he can challenge Tendulkar’s record. England play around 10-12 Tests a year, and Root can score 600-800 runs a year if he averages 50-55. At this rate, he can surpass Tendulkar by 2028 if he plays till 38.
India vs England 2025: A Crucial Battleground
The India vs England 2025 Test series has been Root’s show. His scores at Lord’s and Old Trafford have added to his total. He’s the first player to score 1,000 Test runs at Old Trafford, joining Alastair Cook and Graham Gooch as the only England batsmen with 1,000-plus runs at two venues. His 12 centuries against India show he’s got their bowlers so used, even the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin.
Key Moments from the Series
- Lord’s Heroics: Root’s 104 in the 4th Test kept England in the game and earned him the No. 1 ICC Test batsman ranking.
- Old Trafford Milestone: Root’s 1,000 runs at the ground proved his consistency at home.
- Chasing Big Scores: Root’s 73 in a 241-run win against South Africa in 2020 showed he’s a pressure player.
This series is huge for England and Root’s Tendulkar record. Every innings brings him closer to 15,921, and every run is a testament to his skill.
Can Joe Root Catch Sachin Tendulkar in 2025?
At 34, Root is at the peak of his career and shows no signs of slowing down. He’s 2,662 runs short of Tendulkar’s record, and with England’s Test schedule including Australia, New Zealand, and potentially more in 2026, he has plenty of opportunities to close the gap. Here are the factors in his favor and the challenges ahead.
Factors in Roots Favor
- Consistent Form: Root’s 51 average and his recent run-scoring (1,000+ runs in multiple calendar years) mean he can keep churning out runs.
- England’s Test Schedule: England play more Tests than most teams, so Root has more opportunities to score. In 2025 alone, he could play 8-10 more Tests.
- Home Advantage: Root loves Lord’s (2,166 runs) and Old Trafford, where he will add more runs.
- Mental Resilience: Root’s ability to handle pressure (as seen in his 186 against Sri Lanka in 2021) means he’s a reliable run-scorer in tough situations.
Challenges Ahead
- Age and Fitness: 34 is old for a batsman to be playing till 38, when he can surpass Tendulkar.
- Quality of Opposition: Facing Bumrah, Pat Cummins, and Kagiso Rabada in the next series will be a test for Root.
- Injury Risks: Any prolonged injury will derail his chances. Test cricket requires consistent playing.
If Root averages 700 runs per year over the next four years, he could reach 16,000 by 2029 and potentially overtake Tendulkar. But 2025 is unlikely; he would need 2,662 runs in a year, even Root’s consistency might not stretch to that.
Why This Chase Matters to Cricket History
Joe Root’s pursuit of Sachin Tendulkar’s record is more than a personal milestone; it’s a celebration of Test cricket’s enduring appeal. In an era dominated by T20 leagues, Root’s dedication to the longest format is a reminder of its beauty. His chase also sparks debates about the greatest batsmen across generations, Root’s precision against Tendulkar’s genius, Smith’s unorthodoxy, and Williamson’s elegance.
Roots Impact on England Cricket
- Leadership and Legacy: As a former captain, Root guided England through a transitional phase, and his runs are still stabilising the batting line up.
- Inspiring the Next Generation: Young players like Harry Brook look up to Root as a role model, so England’s Test future is bright.
- Global Recognition: Root is part of the “Fab Four” alongside Kohli, Smith, and Williamson, so he’s a modern great.
The chase for Tendulkar’s record is a story that unites fans worldwide from Yorkshire to Mumbai. It’s a testament to Root’s skill and a nod to Tendulkar’s legacy.
Conclusion
Joe Root has 13,259 Test runs and is one of England’s all-time greats, and his pursuit of Tendulkar’s 15,921 runs is a great subplot in cricket history. Overtaking Tendulkar in 2025 might be a stretch, but Root’s form, England’s busy Test schedule, and his hunger for runs make it a realistic goal by 2028 or 2029. The India vs England 2025 series has shown Root at his best, and with milestones like his 1,000 runs at Old Trafford, he’s writing his name deeper into the record books. Whether you’re rooting for Root to break Tendulkar’s record or just enjoying his artistry, one thing is clear: Joe Root is a once-in-a-generation talent.
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