ROOT ON A RUN TO THE TOP

JOE ROOT has the powers to carry on his climb up the all-time Test run-scoring ladder - and even threaten Sachin Tendulkar at the summit according to former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara.

- GARY FITZGERALD

Root's blazing start to the summer has seen him pass Kane Williamson and Marnus Labuschagne in the ICC world Test batting rankings.

He and his England team-mates will be on a recovery mission at Lord's this week as they set out to peg their rivals back having lost the opening Test at Edgbaston by two wickets in a thrilling finish.

But Root's form was a major plus and the 32-year-old is clearly hungry to go on an Ashes run-scoring spree in the remaining four matches.