Watch: Joe Root builds his dream batter using skills of fellow stars; Virat Kohli grabs special spot

England batter Joe Root created his version of a “perfect batter” by combining qualities from players across international cricket. The 34-year-old batter ignored legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, and Alastair Cook while making his picks, and the video quickly caught fans’ attention on social media.

The former England skipper has been in outstanding form in Tests. Root is set to be a pivotal figure in the Ashes, starting on November 21 in Perth, as the team hopes to secure their first Test series victory in Australia. The right-handed batter last played for England in a home ODI series against South Africa.

Watch: Joe Root Creates His Dream Batter Using Skills of Fellow Stars

In a video shared by England’s Barmy Army Instagram handle, Joe Root chose former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson for his technique. He picked Australian veteran Steve Smith for his shot selection and backed Indian star Virat Kohli for his temperament.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Root picked former West Indies opener Chris Gayle for his power. When asked about running between the wickets, the middle-order batter paused briefly before naming Jonny Bairstow from his early days. Root concluded with legendary South African batter AB de Villiers for the entertainment factor.

Here is a video of the same (via England's Barmy Army Instagram handle):

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by England's Barmy Army (@englandsbarmyarmy)

Joe Root and the Legacy of the Fab Four

Joe Root has shared the modern stage with some of cricket’s greatest batters. Over the years, he has played alongside Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Steve Smith, a group that fans and experts alike have celebrated as the “Fab Four.” The tag was coined for their run-scoring ability across all formats.

However, the era is slowly entering a transition phase. Virat ended his T20I career after leading the country to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He later retired from Test cricket in May 2025. Smith also announced his retirement from ODIs after the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Joe Root Nears Sachin Tendulkar’s All-Time Test Runs Record

Joe Root is close to Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most runs in Test cricket. The England batter has scored 13,543 runs at an average of 51.29, including 39 centuries and 66 half-centuries. He is just 2,379 runs short of surpassing the Indian legend.

Since 2021, he has scored 5,720 runs in 61 Test matches at an impressive average of 56.63, including 22 centuries and 17 half-centuries, with his career-best 262 coming against Pakistan in Multan in October 2024. At home, he has scored 2,981 runs in 31 Tests, with 13 hundreds and nine fifties.

Away from home, Root has amassed 2,739 runs in 30 Tests at an average close to 50. However, his record in Australia is less impressive. He has scored 892 runs in 14 Tests at an average of 35.68 and is yet to register a century there, with his highest score being 89.

Also read: India vs Pakistan Test Match on the cards!! Head coach delivers shocking ICC update