Joe Root became England’s leading run-scorer in test matches with an imperious innings in searing Multan heat in the first test match of 3 against Pakistan. A score of 71 would have been sufficient for the classy batter to overtake Sir Alistair Cook and reach the summit. Root did that and more, scoring 262 before finally being dismissed. He did not have to bat again as England ran out winners by an innings and 47 runs.

Root was one half of a partnership with fellow Yorkshireman Harry Brook that saw records broken almost every time a boundary was hit. The fourth wicket partnership was England’s highest ever, with Root and Brook accumulating 454 runs whilst together at the crease. It was Root’s highest score, whilst his partner became only the sixth Englishman to record a test match triple century.

First selected for the England team playing in India at the back end of 2012, Root immediately established his credentials with an impressive 73. 2013 was a slightly more difficult year for Root, but in 2014 he maintained a Bradman-esque average of 97 and has been England’s premier batter ever since. The former captain’s elegant and balletic footwork at the crease, combined with his immaculate timing has made watching a Joe Root innings worth the entrance fee alone for many supporters.

Despite these unquestioned abilities, there was a lingering feeling for a long period that he was not scoring quite as many runs as he could and should have been. Converting fifties into hundreds was a nagging issue. From 2012 to 2020, Root scored 66 half centuries, but just 17 centuries at a conversion rate of 26%.

This issue has been rectified in emphatic fashion in recent years. Since 2021, Root has scored 18 centuries after reaching fifty 33 times, a conversion rate of 54%. Maturing as both player and person, he has become ever more ruthless in his pursuit of runs. He has even recently shelved the Bazball-inspired reverse scoop.

He has become ever more ruthless in his pursuit of runs

With the help of this transformation, there has been an air of inevitability in the past few years about Root overtaking Sir Alistair Cook. It has long been a question of when, and not if. His talent was evident from day one, and despite a brief rough patch when seemingly burdened by the responsibility of captaincy, he has been a consistent run machine for a long period.

Most impressive about Joe Root, however, is the ease at which he churns out these runs. Combining ruthless accumulation with graceful elegance, his runs have not come at the expense of style. He never looks rattled at the crease and maintains a composure which helps him to make the game look easy. He will go down as one of the best to watch, as well as the most effective batter in English cricket.

Runs have not come at the expense of style

The only remaining question about the England batter’s legacy is whether he can become the all-time leading run scorer in test matches, not just for England but for any country. He now sits fifth on the list on 12,664 runs. His mission is to usurp Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar, who sits top on 15,921. If he maintains his career average of 51, he should have to play between 30 and 40 more test matches before he gets there. This could happen within the next three years, providing he stays healthy and has the desire to keep going. Time is just about on his side.

His mission is to usurp Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar

For now, Root will remain focused on the present, but could there very soon come a time when England fans and cricket neutrals can anticipate the day where he reaches what would be the game’s ultimate achievement?

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