“He really could overtake Sachin Tendulkar eventually” – Michael Vaughan on Joe Root

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan has backed Joe Root to overtake Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of most runs in Test cricket. The former Indian batter amassed 15921 runs in 200 Test matches at an impressive average of 53.79, including 51 centuries.

On the other hand, Joe Root scored his 32nd Test century against the West Indies in the second Test match at Trent Bridge, equalling Steven Smith and Kane Williamson’s tally of 32 Test hundreds. Root, 33, has scored 11940 runs in 142 Test matches at an average of 49.96 and he is 14 runs away from overtaking Brian Lara’s record.

Thus, if Root can carry on in the same fashion, he will need another four years to leapfrog Sachin’s record. 

Michael Vaughan wrote for the Telegraph, “Joe Root will become England’s leading run-scorer in the next few months and is so special that he really could overtake Sachin Tendulkar eventually. With the bat generally they did not look reckless like they have in the past. They are scoring quickly, but it doesn’t look like their egos are taking over. They are just playing with good sense.”

“As the rock, Root is obviously key to that, and I love that he kept the reverse-scoop in the locker until he was past 100 and England’s lead was massive.”

On the other hand, Harry Brook scored a blistering knock of 109 runs off 132 balls in the second innings against the Windies and added 189 runs with Root. Vaughan compared the youngster with former swashbuckling batter Kevin Pietersen.

“Then there’s Harry Brook, who is going to provide spectators so many ‘I was there’ moments in the next few years. He will play innings and shots that just make you go ‘wow’. I have seen players with time, but I’m not sure I’ve seen anyone with that much time to play aggressive shots looking very easy. Stillness, trigger, hands high, cocked wrist. There is a bit of Kevin Pietersen there, that ability to play jaw-dropping innings.”

The third and final Test match between England and the West Indies will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from Friday onwards.