Joe Root can break Sachin Tendulkar’s record.
However, England’s Joe Root is closing in, especially after his superb 150 in the fourth Test against India, which took his tally to 13,409 runs. At just 34 years old, Root still has time on his side, and many, including Ollie Pope, believe he can surpass Tendulkar’s legendary milestone.
Ollie Pope on Joe Root: “Wouldn’t Be Surprised If He Breaks Sachin’s Record”
Manchester – As England continues to press hard in their fourth Test against India, vice-captain Ollie Pope has heaped praise on Joe Root, suggesting that the former England captain could one day surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record to become the highest run-scorer in Test cricket history.
Speaking after day three, where Root dazzled yet again with a classy 150 and Pope himself contributed a solid 71, the 26-year-old vice-captain shared his admiration for Root’s passion and longevity in the longest format of the game.
Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 15,921 Test runs has long been seen as an untouchable summit in the sport, but Root’s recent purple patch has reignited the debate. With his most recent century, the 34-year-old Englishman now sits at 13,409 runs, and shows no sign of slowing down.
Root, who recently moved past former Australian captain Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history, has been quietly rewriting the record books. But according to Pope, the Yorkshireman isn’t one to dwell on milestones.
“He’s not a big one for landmarks, but that’s a pretty cool one,” Pope said with a grin. I’m sure he knew what that number was, but he’s not a guy who wants to shout about those things either. He’s so humble. He’ll enjoy the team success more than any personal feat.”
Root’s calm demeanor and team-first approach are well known within the England camp. While fans and pundits are already calculating how many more runs he needs to surpass Tendulkar, Root’s focus, it seems, is still firmly on helping England win matches.
“Hopefully, we can get a win,” Pope added. “And if we put ourselves in that position, then he’ll enjoy that even more. But it’s a pretty cool thing to have under your name.”
England ended day three in a dominant position at 544 for seven, with the pitch at Old Trafford beginning to show signs of wear. Pope believes this gives England a significant edge heading into day four.
“The plan is just to get as many as we can,” he said. and then put as much pressure on with the ball as we can too.”
It’s been a strong team performance from England, blending experience and youth with confidence. But all eyes, understandably, remain on Joe Root — a player who continues to define an era for English cricket.
And if Ollie Pope’s words are anything to go by, we may just be witnessing a journey that could see Root reach heights no Englishman — and perhaps no cricketer — has ever touched before.