Joe Root entered the record books again as he surpassed Alastair Cook to become England’s highest ever run scorer in Test cricket. Root achieved the feat in the first Test against Pakistan in Multan.
Root’s 35th hundred helped England to reduce the massive deficit as Pakistan piled up a massive 556 runs in the first innings. At the end of day 3, Root is batting on 176 alongside Harry Brook who is nearing a 150.
Root has also been backed to leapfrog Sachin Tendulkar in the all-time highest Test run getter list. The Little Master amassed a whopping 15921 runs in 329 innings and Root stands tall in fifth position on the list with 12578 runs. With more Test matches to play Root is expected to bridge the gap given his current form.
Root’s effort has now built up an exciting climax in the first Test.
The 33 year old insisted he still has a lot to offer in the red ball format.
As quoted by BBC he said,“I’m obviously proud, but still feel there’s plenty more left to do.
“I’m sure I’ll look back at it when I’m finished and be very proud of it, but 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.”
Earlier Alastair Cook also insisted that he believes Root can surpass Sachin in the near future. On Test Match Special, he said, “I would be betting on Root to do it.
“I don't see Root losing that hunger and ability to keep driving himself forward for the next couple of years.”
The race to the World Test Championship final is heating up and England are yet to secure a place in the summit clash. They are currently fourth in the points table.