Ben Stokes noted Joe Root‘s outstanding achievement in Test cricket, praising the batting maestro for his dedication and incredible contribution to the England cricket team.
Root became England’s all-time leading run-scorer in Test cricket on the third day of the first Test against. Pakistan Multanda broke the previous record of 12,472 runs set by Sir Alastair Cook.
Ben Stokes hails Joe Root’s historic achievement in Test Cricket
However, Stokes was ruled out of the Multan Test match with a hamstring injury, but he took the opportunity to pay tribute to Root through a video posted by the ECB on social media platform X on Wednesday, October 9.
In the video, England expressed his admiration for captain Root, highlighting his remarkable dedication that truly defines a modern-day legend. Stokes highlighted how Root has consistently prioritized the success of the England team and that these mountainous runs he has accumulated are an added benefit for the national team.
Stokes said Root is an extraordinary player and it will take a long time for anyone to surpass his historic record on Wednesday. He also praised Root’s character, calling him a great man and acknowledging his incredible achievement in Test cricket.
He is an incredible player: Ben Stokes on Joe Root
Ben Stokes said in the ECB video: “The dedication he has is an incredible quality for him. He always puts the team first and the fact that he is getting so many runs is just a bonus for us. He is an incredible player. It will take a long, long time for someone to come along and break that record.
Just a great guy. And incredible guts to get that many runs. But I think the selfishness he has is something that makes him superior or sets him apart from anyone who will play in England for a long time.”
Meanwhile, Ben Stokes has confidently backed Joe Root’s potential to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most runs in Test cricket. When asked about Root’s chances of breaking Tendulkar’s monumental 15,921 runs, Stokes said there is no reason why Root cannot achieve this historic feat.
“Amazing player. Great guy.”
To hear @BenStokes38 about @Root66the incredible achievement of…
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— England Cricket (@englandcricket) October 9, 2024
Ben Stokes backs Joe Root to break Sachin Tendulkar’s world record in Tests
The England captain believes Joe Root can continue to play until he is 39, giving him a strong shot at at least approaching Tendulkar’s world record, if not surpassing it in his career.
Stokes said, “Look, he’s 33. He’s played close to 100 games in a row. I don’t know. He could easily go 37, 38, even 39. He’s playing all the Test matches between now and then; I don’t see why no.He is too good a player to come close.I will personally back him to surpass (Tendulkar’s record of most Test runs).
Notably, Root notched up his 35th century in the ongoing Multan Test against Pakistan, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar’s tally of 34 centuries to become sixth in the list of players who have smashed the most tons in the longest format of the game.
