England batter Ollie Pope has backed Joe Root to break Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record of a staggering 15,921 runs in Test cricket. During a media interaction after the third day of play at The Old Trafford, Manchester, Pope stated that if Root’s body allows him to play, he would be driven to surpass the world record for most Test runs.
Root currently has 13,409 runs in Tests, just 2,512 runs away from Tendulkar’s record. The former England captain has an impressive average of 51.17 in the longest format.
Root moved past several cricketing legends, including India's Rahul Dravid, South Africa's Jacques Kallis, and Australia's Ricky Ponting, in terms of Test runs during the fourth Test match of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
“He loves playing for England in Tests more than anything, so I’m sure if his body allows, he’ll be driven to make it to number one, but I think he just wants to keep playing for as long as he can," Pope said while speaking to the media at the end of the day’s play.
The 27-year-old also praised his former captain for his excitement and hunger to play, adding that he wouldn’t be surprised if Root goes on to chase the world record.
“The excitement he still has to play Tests, he’s always got the biggest smile on his face. The hunger he has for it, I wouldn’t be surprised if he can chase him down," Pope added.
Was Root aware of moving past Ponting in the leading run-getters list?
“He’s not a big one for landmarks, but that’s a pretty cool one. Becoming the second-highest Test run-scorer is just incredible. I’m sure he knew what that number was, but he’s not a guy who wants to shout about those things as well," Pope said.
“Hopefully, we can get a win and if we put ourselves in that position, then he’ll enjoy that even more, but it’s a pretty cool thing to have," Pope added.
On England’s plan for the fourth day, he said that his side is looking to bat once in the match. They intend to take a huge lead and then bowl out India.
“The plan is just to get as many as we can. I think this wicket will deteriorate over the next two days, so there’s going to be a real focus to drive that lead on to as big as we can and then put as much pressure on with the ball as we can too," Pope concluded.