Joe Root can’t break Sachin Tendulkar's record? Ex-England star issues stern India-Australia warning

England star batter Joe Root has delivered exceptional performances for the national cricket team in the Test format over the past four years. Former England spinner Monty Panesar shared his thoughts on Root surpassing legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most runs in Test cricket.

Sachin Tendulkar scored 15,921 runs in 200 matches with an average of 53.78, including 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries. Meanwhile, Joe Root is fifth on the all-time Test run-scorers list. Root has amassed 13,006 runs in 153 matches at an average of 50.80, with the help of 36 centuries and 65 half-centuries.

Monty Panesar on Joe Root Surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s Legendary Record

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Monty Panesar said the upcoming series against India and Australia will be key in deciding whether Joe Root can break Sachin Tendulkar’s record.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

"I think if in these 10 Test matches against India and Australia, he does well, then I think he's got every chance. So, I think the next 10 Test matches will define if Root can break it or not," Panesar told Hindustan Times.

Joe Root needs 2,916 runs to surpass Tendulkar's record for the most Test runs. Ricky Ponting (13,378), Jacques Kallis (13,289), and Rahul Dravid (13,288) stand between Tendulkar and Root on the list of leading run-scorers in Test cricket. All of these legends, however, have retired from the game.

I Don’t Think It’s Been That Successful - Monty Panesar on ‘Bazball’

Monty Panesar believes the aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach has been successful in England but not in away conditions. He mentioned that English pitches are prepared to support this style.

"In England, it's been a success. And I think outside of England, I don't think it's been that successful. So, I expect, I think they'll produce pitches in a way to suit their backing and their style of cricket in England. But outside of England, I haven't seen it to be successful in Australia or in India. So, maybe, maybe 'Bazball' is only successful in English conditions," Panesar added.

England Set to Take On India in Five-Match Test Series

England showcased their aggressive "Bazball" approach in a one-off Test at Trent Bridge against Zimbabwe. Openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley stitched together a 231-run stand—the highest opening partnership in England since 1960.

Duckett hammered 100 off 100 balls, securing his fifth Test century, while Crawley ended a 28-innings drought with his first hundred since July 2023. Ollie Pope continued his dominance at Trent Bridge, scoring 171 from 166 balls—his third century at the venue. England declared their first innings at a commanding 569.

Joe Root was dismissed for 34 by Blessing Muzarabani. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 265 and 255 in their two innings, handing England a comprehensive win. Shoaib Bashir impressed with a nine-wicket haul across both innings and was named Player of the Match.

The Ben Stokes-led team will next play a Test series against India, captained by Shubman Gill. According to the schedule, the first Test will be held at Headingley in Leeds, starting on June 20.

Also read: Gautam Gambhir's 'mid-series axing' warning led to Virat Kohli's Test retirement, claims ex-ENG star