Selfless Root could go on to beat Tendulkar runs record

Ex-captain overhauls Cook’s England total at Multan Test

- SONIA TWIGG

Joe Root breaking Sir Alastair Cook’s record for most Test runs for England had a touch of inevitability about it.

Root sent a straight drive past Aamer Jamal yesterday in the first Test of the three-match tour of Pakistan in Multan to eclipse Cook’s total of 12,472 runs and move into fifth on the all-time list.

Despite jubilation back in England, the milestone itself was not celebrated in Multan, the local fans did not notice. There was an understated touch of the gloves with Ben Duckett, and a pat on the shoulder before the innings resumed. He went on to bring up his century as England racked up the runs, after Pakistan had scored 556 in the first innings.

Throughout his career, Root has scored his runs in almost exactly the same way, and aside from the odd scoop shot, has remained remarkably consistent with textbook technique. Root loves batting, that is the crux and formation of his entire career. When training sessions the day before a match are optional, the Yorkshireman will be out there in the nets having a long bat.

There are few players in modern cricket who can claim to have anywhere near the same consistency that the 33-year-old has demonstrated throughout his career. From 2015 to 2024, only in one year has Root’s average dipped below 40, and before the Multan Test it stood at an impressive 51.10.