ENG vs SL: Joe Root eyes historic record in Sri Lanka series; can become first batter with this epic feat in Test cricket

Star English batter Joe Root will once again be setting his eyes on another big record in Test cricket as the England cricket team takes on Sri Lanka in a three-match Test series. The first Test of the series is set to be played at the Old Trafford in Manchester, on August 21 (Wednesday). Root who is currently the leading run-scorer in the World Test Championship history can script yet another epic milestone in front of his name.

Joe Root eyes epic milestone

The modern-day batting great is already the first batter to score more than 4000 runs in WTC and now can also become the first batter to score 5000 runs in WTC history. He currently has 4598 runs and needs 402 more runs to reach the milestone. Root is in terrific form and was the leading run-scorer for his team in their previous red-ball contest which was against West Indies. He scored 291 runs in four innings which also included 1 century and two fifties he would like to continue his good form and lead his team from the front with the bat once again.

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Many people have started stating that Root has the time and skills to surpass the legendary Sachin Tendulkar as the leading run scorer in Test Cricket. He is still in need of 3894 runs to breach that milestone which might take some years. However, there is a record for which he can set his eyes in this series itself. He is currently short of 445 runs from Alastair Cook's Test run tally, if he manages to get past it, he would become the leading run scorer in Test cricket for England.

England have already announced their playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka. Ollie Pope will be leading the side in absence of Ben Stokes who is currently out due to an injury.

England playing XI: Daniel Lawrence, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope(c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith(w), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Mark Wood, Shoaib Bashir

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