'Batting is way easier': Kevin Pietersen undermines Joe Root’s records while hyping Sachin Tendulkar’s era

Kevin Pietersen has sparked a new debate about modern-day Test cricket by stating that batting today is easier compared to two decades ago. The former England cricketer's comments came after Joe Root became the second-highest run-scorer in Tests during the ongoing match against India in Manchester.

Joe Root surpassed legends Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting among the all-time leading run-scorers in Test cricket. The England batter has scored 13,409 runs in 157 Tests at an average of 51.18. He trails only Sachin Tendulkar, who remains the highest run-getter in Test history with 15,921 runs from 200 Tests.

Batting These Days Is Way Easier Than 20/25 Years Ago - Kevin Pietersen

Kevin Pietersen stated that batting in modern-day Test cricket is "way easier" than 20–25 years ago. In a post on his social media account, the former England batter urged fans not to be upset with his opinion.

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''Don't shout at me but batting these days is way easier than 20/25 years ago! Probably twice as hard back then!," Pietersen wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Saturday.

Pietersen played 104 Tests for England, scoring 8,181 runs at an average of 47.28, including 23 centuries and 35 half-centuries. Pietersen was instrumental in England’s iconic 2005 Ashes victory. He also represented England in 136 ODIs and 37 T20Is during his international career from 2005 to 2013.

Please Name Me 10 Modern-Day Bowlers - Kevin Pietersen

Kevin Pietersen questioned the quality of modern-day bowling by listing several legendary bowlers from previous generations and challenging fans to find current players of a similar standard.

''Waqar, Shoaib, Akram, Mushtaq, Kumble, Srinath, Harbhajan, Donald, Pollock, Klusener, Gough, McGrath, Lee, Warne, Gillespie, Bond, Vettori, Cairns, Vaas, Murali, Curtley, Courtney and the list could go on and on..." "I've named 22 above. Please name me 10 modern day bowlers that can compare to the names above?," he added.

Don’t shout at me but batting these days is way easier than 20/25 years ago! Probably twice as hard back then!

Waqar, Shoaib, Akram, Mushtaq, Kumble, Srinath, Harbhajan, Donald, Pollock, Klusener, Gough, McGrath, Lee, Warne, Gillespie, Bond, Vettori, Cairns, Vaas, Murali,…

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) July 26, 2025

Joe Root Slams 38th Test Century in Manchester

Joe Root scored 150 off 248 balls as England posted a total of 544/7 at stumps on Friday. The home team holds a 186-run lead after India were dismissed for 358 in their first innings.

Root scored his 38th century in Test cricket, equalling Kumar Sangakkara’s tally. He is the joint fourth on the all-time list of century getters. Only Ricky Ponting (41), Jacques Kallis (45), and Sachin Tendulkar (51) have scored more.

The English batter has been in superb form this series, scoring 403 runs in seven innings at an average of 67.16, including two centuries and a fifty. He also shared century partnerships with Ollie Pope (71) and Ben Stokes (77*), putting England in a dominant position.

Ben Stokes has continued to shine with his captaincy and all-round performance throughout the series. With England leading 2-1, they are well-placed to clinch the series. The Shubman Gill-led Indian team will need a strong effort to level the contest.

Also read: Jasprit Bumrah's medical bulletin issued by team India for further part in the series