England batting great Joe Root is now only behind Sachin Tendulkar in the list of all-time highest run-getters in Test cricket. Root went past former Australia captain and batting great Ricky Ponting to move into the second position on the revered list during his magnificent 150-run knock in England’s first innings of the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, Manchester. Root has already overtaken Ponting (13,378), Jacques Kallis (13,289), and Rahul Dravid (13,288). With 13,380 runs, he is now only behind Indian batting maestro Tendulkar. He surpassed Ponting on Friday at tea, going into the break at 121. He scored his 38th Test century while also anchoring England’s first innings.

Now, the question is: can Root overtake Tendulkar’s colossal feat of 15,921 runs? While Root went past Ponting, Kallis, and Dravid due to the proximity of their Test totals, Tendulkar remains seated far above the rest, with a lead of 2,541 runs over Root.

Root is now 34 years old and will celebrate his 35th birthday during the Ashes Down Under later this year. So, age could be a significant constraint in Root’s dream of becoming the all-time highest run-getter in Test cricket. Although Root continues to play in ODIs, it is a fact that he is nearing the fag end of his career.

Root, a former England captain, has been one of the best batters in recent years. Since 2021, he has scored 5,561 runs at an average of 56.74, with 21 centuries to his name. Root’s late flourish in Test cricket has breathed new life into his pursuit of Tendulkar’s towering tally - and so long as his form endures, the dream remains within reach.

However, England’s next assignment is in Australia, where Root has struggled historically and has failed to score a hundred despite playing 14 Tests. Another torrid series Down Under could have serious consequences for his career. It may even raise the call for his retirement.

If he manages to survive the Ashes, Root, however, will look forward to another prolific summer at home, with New Zealand and Pakistan set to tour England in 2026 before they embark on tours to South Africa and Bangladesh. With three Tests each against New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa scheduled in 2026, and two against Bangladesh, Root could be looking at around 1,600 runs at an overall average of 51, provided he remains in form. Yet, he would still be nearly 1,000 runs short of Tendulkar’s record.

Given his current scoring pace, Root may need to play until 2027-28 to stand any chance of overtaking Tendulkar. During this period, England will also play another home Ashes series, with the possibility of featuring in a World Test Championship final.

Though a generous slate of Tests awaits in the coming years, it remains to be seen whether Root can preserve both form and fitness - the twin pillars that will define his longevity and determine his chances of claiming Test cricket’s ultimate crown.