Joe Root Surpasses Kohli Milestone, Closes in on Tendulkar's Historic Record

Joe Root once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the finest batters of this generation, crafting a majestic century on Day 2 of the third Test against India at Lord’s. Resuming his innings on 99\*, Root wasted no time, reaching his 37th Test hundred with a boundary off the very first ball of the day a thick outside edge that flew between the slips and gully, drawing a thunderous roar from the Lord’s crowd.

This century was Root’s 8th at the iconic venue and his 22nd at home, showcasing not just consistency but dominance in English conditions. With this knock, Root also overtook Steve Smith’s tally of 36 Test hundreds, further solidifying his place among cricket’s elite.

CHASING THE LITTLE MASTER'S RECORD

Root’s remarkable longevity and form now put him within striking distance of Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time Test run record. With less than 3000 runs separating him from the Indian maestro, the 34-year-old Yorkshireman remains the most realistic candidate to break one of cricket’s most revered records.

What Tendulkar achieved over two decades, Root is now steadily approaching with his trademark blend of elegance and grit. His current form, technique, and fitness suggest he could very well finish as Test cricket’s highest run-scorer.

3000 RUNS AGAINST A SINGLE OPPONENT – AN ELITE CLUB

During this innings, Root also reached another rare milestone scoring over 3000 Test runs against a single opposition. His tally against India now places him among the very few to have achieved this feat. Only Steve Smith, with 3417 runs against England, has scored more against one team among active players.

IN COMPARISON:

Joe Root vs India: 3000+ runs

Steve Smith vs England: 3417 runs

Virat Kohli vs Australia: 2232 runs

Kane Williamson vs Pakistan: 1519 runs

This milestone further underlines Root’s dominance over India a high-quality side with a formidable bowling lineup across formats.

COMPOSURE AMIDST EARLY COLLAPSE

Walking in with England reeling at 44/2, after Nitish Kumar Reddy’s double-strike removed both openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley  Root was immediately confronted by a fired-up Indian pace attack.

The likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, and Reddy posed serious questions early on. But Root, ever the craftsman, responded with calm assurance. He absorbed the pressure, left judiciously, and capitalised on loose deliveries with clinical precision.

SHIFT IN MOMENTUM: THE ROOT-STOKES REVIVAL

As the day progressed and the ball softened, Root shifted gears with ease. His ability to transition from defence to attack was on full display, especially through elegant cover drives and deft late cuts.

A vital partnership with *Ollie Pope laid the platform, before another crucial stand with Ben Stokes helped England wrestle back control by stumps. Though England lost Pope and Harry Brook late in the day, the Root-Stokes partnership ensured the hosts went into the dressing room at 251/4, with the momentum slightly in their favour.

A DEFINING CENTURY AT LORD’S

This innings wasn't just another hundred. It was a statement a blend of resilience, flair, and technical mastery. In an era where batting averages fluctuate and bowlers dominate, Joe Root continues to set a benchmark for consistency and class.

While Virat Kohli, a fellow member of the “Fab Four,” has never crossed 3000 runs against any team in his 14-year-long Test career, Root's latest milestone adds yet another feather to his already glittering cap. For context:

Kohli’s highest vs one team: 2232 vs Australia

Williamson’s highest: 1519 vs Pakistan

Root vs India: 3000+ and counting

CONCLUSION: THE BEST IS YET TO COME?

Joe Root’s century at Lord’s not only helped England recover from a shaky start but also highlighted his unmatched stature among contemporary batters. As records continue to tumble and milestones fall in his wake, the cricketing world watches closely – could Joe Root soon become the most prolific run-scorer in Test history?

If his bat continues to do the talking, Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record may not remain untouched for much longer.