Joe Root is the highest run-scorer in Test cricket among active players. The Englishman is a Test specialist and has scored most of his career runs in the red-ball format. Root played his last T20I game in 2019, and has not played an ODI match since the 2023 World Cup.
Joe Root is the closest to equalling, or surpassing the great Sachin Tendulkar's runs tally in Test cricket. The Englishman has reserved himself for the longer formats and is rarely unavailable for selection for the Test squad.
Root, as of August 2024, is fifth on the list of highest run-getters in Tests. As Joe Roots climbs a mountain to catch Tendulkar, The Sporting News analyses the feasibility of any such feat.
How many runs does Joe Root need to overtake Sachin Tendulkar's Test career runs?
Even matching Sachin Tendulkar's Test career runs would be an incredible feat, let alone surpassing the tally. Tendulkar, having played 200 Tests in his career, has scored close to 16000 runs in the longest format.
Joe Root needs 3257 runs to surpass Sachin Tendulkar's Test career runs tally. Having played 53 fewer Tests, the 33-year-old would have to perform like he did in his prime, in the twilight years of his cricketing career.
| Player | Matches | Test runs |
|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 200 | 15921 |
| Joe Root | 147* | 12664 |
How many Tests does Joe Root play in a calendar year (on average)?
Over the last four years, Joe Root has played 49 tests. Averaging over 11 Test matches in a year, Joe Root would play around 22 Test innings each year.
| Year | Test matches played |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024* | 11* |
What is England's Test schedule for 2024-25 WTC cycle?
| Date | Opposition | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 21 August - 25 August | Sri Lanka | Old Trafford |
| 29 August - 02 September | Sri Lanka | The Lord's |
| 06 September - 10 September | Sri Lanka | The Oval |
| 07 October - 11 October | Pakistan | Multan |
| 15 October - 19 October | Pakistan | Karachi |
| 24 October - 28 October | Pakistan | Rawalpindi |
| 28 November - 02 December | New Zealand | Christchurch |
| 06 December - 10 December | New Zealand | Wellington |
| 14 December - 18 December | New Zealand | Hamilton |
| 28 May 2025 - 31 May 2025 | Zimbabwe | TBD |
Will Joe Root leave Sachin Tendulkar behind to become the highest run-scorer in Tests?
Averaging over 11 Test matches in a calendar year, Joe Root would play around 22 Test innings each year. He averages 50 runs per Test innings. Considering that Root scores at least 1100 Test runs every year, he would have to play until at least 2028, to stand a chance of beating Sachin Tendulkar to become the highest run-scorer in Test history.
Joe Root is 33 years old in 2024. To even reach closer to Sachin's landmark total of 15921, Root will have to play till he is at least 37.
