Graeme Swann
Graeme Swann. Credit: Getty Images

Former England off-spinner, Graeme Swann has made bold calls saying that Joe Root can go past former opener, Sir Alastair Cook’s run-scoring chart. Currently, Root is the fourth-leading Test run-scorer for England with 8249 runs and Cook sits at the top with 12472 runs.

Graeme Swann’s comments come ahead of the Test series against India before which Joe Root smashed 426 runs at an average of 106 in Sri Lanka. Swann is in awe of Root’s talent and batting technique couple with the form he displayed on the tracks in Sri Lanka which took a turn from the first session – the 41-year-old feels that Root will score heavy runs against the Indian bowlers as well. The first Test in Chennai will also be the Yorkshireman’s 100th Test match.

Joe Root, Alastair Cook, England, India
Alastair Cook with Joe Root (Credits – Getty)

“That seems very possible. I’m not joking when I say I think he [Joe Root] is the best we’ve produced. I adore Cooky, a lovely player, but in terms of natural talent and pure batsmanship, Root is phenomenal. I honestly don’t think we’ve seen the best from him. Those Test matches in Sri Lanka, that’s what we should be seeing from him more often,” Graeme Swann told Metro.co.uk.

“I think he could average 60 or 70 in this series [against India] and really give England a fighting chance. For me, the form of Joe Root is the one thing that really excites me for the India series now. When you’ve got a batsman scoring that heavily and looking that sound… he could have a massive series and I’m excited about that,” he added.

Joe Root is the best Test batsman amongst the Fab four: Graeme Swann

Graeme Swann, who picked 20 wickets in England’s triumphant Test series in India in 2012, believes that Root is the best Test batsman of the ‘Fab 4’, a fans-created category that includes Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson in addition to the English skipper. However, Swann does mention that he speaks with utter bias in that matter.

Joe Root, Michael Vaughan, Geoffrey Boycott, England
Joe Root [Image Credits: Twitter]
England is supposed to play 9 Test matches against Virat Kohli’s team – 4 away and 5 at home – along with a high-octane Ashes in Australia later in the year; Graeme Swann asserts that this new freakish form of Joe Root is imperative for England’s success going forward.

“In my opinion, because I’m completely biased, he’s the best of the lot. It’s his year and I want him to score a ridiculous amount of runs. If he does that, it gives England a chance,” Graeme Swann further added.

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