"Injury can happen": Mark Butcher highlights challenges as Joe Root chases Sachin Tendulkar's Test record

Former England batter Mark Butcher has backed Joe Root to break Sachin Tendulkar’s iconic record in Test cricket but said that there are a lot of ifs. With whispers of the England legend potentially overtaking the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record for most Test runs, the cricket world is buzzing with excitement and prediction.

As the cricketing world marvels at the possibility of Root surpassing the Master Blaster's seemingly unbreakable record, the former England captain’s consistent brilliance with the bat and his stunning form have left fans and experts dreaming of what could be a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.

Mark Butcher backs Joe Root to break Sachin Tendulkar's Test record but warns of uncertainties ahead

Well, Mark Butcher weighed in on the exciting yet unpredictable nature of the game, as he admitted that Root is certainly on track to overtake the legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar's world record, but at the same time, he feels the road ahead is littered with uncertainties.

The commentator believes that injuries, unforeseen circumstances, or even sudden changes in form could disrupt his predictable march toward history in Test cricket. Butcher further mentioned that the possibility of Joe Root becoming Test cricket's all-time run-scorer depends on several factors.

Butcher insisted that if Joe Root can maintain his current form and avoid any major setbacks, the right-hander may soon etch his name at the very top of the record books.

Mark Butcher predicts Joe Root can overtake Sachin Tendulkar's record in the next three years

As Root continues to pile on the runs, there are high chances of him dethroning the cricketing icon Tendulkar in Test cricket. The former England captain has already broken Alastair Cook’s record and became England’s all-time leading run scorer in the longest format of the game.

Mark Butcher said on Sky Sports: “Yeah, look, if all things go well, if no injury comes along, if there are no reasons that he's out of the team, then you would say that perhaps in the next two, well, three years maybe. They'll play enough Test matches, and if he continues in this sort of form, he'll do it. It's a lot of ifs.

Everyone said that Tiger would be hunting down Jack Nicklaus's majors record many, many years ago, and we saw what happened there, which is not to say that Joe Root has got a sort of hidden catastrophe life behind him that will bring him down, but you just never know.”

'Sport is a funny thing'

Butcher signed off by saying, “Sport is a funny thing. An injury can happen. Something can go awry, and then suddenly the record goes begging. But all things being well, there's no reason why he wouldn't.”

"If he continues in this sort of form he'll do it" 👀

Mark Butcher discusses the possibility of Joe Root overtaking Sachin Tendulkar as the all-time leading Test match run-scorer 🏏 pic.twitter.com/iUDz4DUlcC

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) October 11, 2024

Notably, Root recently smashed a double hundred in the first Test against Pakistan and played a key role in the tourists’ massive innings and 45 runs win in Multan. He will be next seen in action in the second Test at the Multan Cricket Stadium, starting on October 15.