Joe Root 'tired' after breaking Sir Alastair Cook's all-time Test record for England

Former England captain Joe Root revealed how he felt after breaking legendary opener Sir Alastair Cook's record for the most runs for England in Tests.

Joe Root said that he felt tired and proud after breaking Alastair Cook’s record during the third day of the ongoing first Test match against Pakistan.

Root surpassed Sir Alastair Cook's record of 12,472 runs after completing 71 runs in England's first innings in the match.

The 33-year-old batter is now England's all-time leading run-scorer in Test cricket. He managed to score his 35th Test century despite battling the heat and cramping during the match.

Root batted through the third day of the first Test against Pakistan. The right-handed batter finished the day with an unbeaten 176 runs off 277 balls, including 12 fours.

Root added an unbeaten 243-run stand with Harry Brook as the England team, led by Ollie Pope, scored 492 runs for three at stumps.

I'm Tired More Than Anything - Joe Root

Speaking after the third day of the first Test against Pakistan, Joe Root said that he's proud of this achievement. However, he added that he still has plenty more left to do and many more runs to get.

"I’m tired more than anything. It’s been a long day. I’m obviously proud, but still feel there’s plenty more left to do and many more runs to get. I’m sure I’ll look back at it at some point when I’m finished and be very proud of it," said Root.

"How are you feeling, Joe?" 🎤

"Tired! It's been a long day!" 😅

And what a day, hear from Rooty 👇 pic.twitter.com/ZBx6Pu40Zl

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) October 9, 2024

The England batter is currently fifth among the top run-scorers in Test cricket. Legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar tops the list with 15,921 runs, followed by Ricky Ponting with 13,378 runs, Jacques Kallis with 13,289 runs, and Rahul Dravid with 13,288 runs.

We've Still Got An Opportunity To Win The Game - Joe Root

Joe Root said that there is a possibility of winning the Test match, adding that winning the Test excites him a lot more. The England No. 4 batter hoped that the England team could play well on the fourth day and move closer to victory.

"I think more than anything just the way we played today as a team is what stands out. We’ve still got an opportunity to win the game, which is really exciting. Hopefully, we can kick on tomorrow,” said Root.

"Things can happen quite quickly towards the back end of the game. We’ll continue to work hard to take advantage of this great start we’ve got," he added.

Pakistan Scored 556 Runs In First Innings Of Series Opener In Multan

England has responded strongly to Pakistan's massive first-innings total of 556. Root added partnerships of 109, 136, and 243 with teammates Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Harry Brook by the end of the third day. Root and Brook reduced the deficit to 64 runs, with seven wickets still in hand at the stumps.

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