On July 23, 2025, Joe Root became the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history, surpassing Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, and Rahul Dravid with 13,379 runs during England’s Test against India at Old Trafford. Only Sachin Tendulkar’s 15,921 runs stand above him, 2,542 runs ahead. At 34, Root is in his prime, averaging 50.1 and showing no signs of slowing since stepping down as England’s Test captain in 2022. But with Test schedules shrinking and injuries looming, can he chase down Tendulkar’s record by 2028? Here’s a sharp, skeptical look at Root’s path, his chances, and whether he’ll claim the all-time Test runs crown, delivered with a wry nod to the grind of Test cricket’s marathon.

The Milestone: Root Climbs to Second

Root’s ascent to 13,379 runs came in his 157th Test, a testament to his durability—he’s missed only two Tests since his 2012 debut (one dropped, one for paternity leave). His 2,678 runs in the last 29 Tests (averaging 46.2) show he’s close to the 2,542 needed to overtake Tendulkar. Unlike peers Steve Smith (3,000 runs behind) or Kane Williamson, Root’s consistency and England’s packed Test schedule—up to 25 Tests by 2028—give him a shot. If he succeeds, he may hold the record forever, as reduced Test fixtures for smaller nations make it nearly impossible for others to compete.

The Path Ahead: A Projected Timeline

Root’s pursuit hinges on fitness, form, and England’s Test calendar. Here’s a speculative roadmap based on his current trajectory and upcoming series, assuming he maintains a conservative scoring rate:

• June–August 2025: India (h, 1 Test remaining)
  Projected: 160 runs at 40, total 13,539.
  Root faces India’s formidable bowlers in the series’ final Test, likely at The Oval. His 120 at Old Trafford shows he’s in form, but India’s attack will test him.
• November 2025–January 2026: Australia (a, 5 Tests)
  Projected: 370 runs at 37, total 13,909.
  The Ashes Down Under are Root’s Achilles’ heel—no century in 14 Tests there, despite nine fifties. Australia’s aging but potent attack and bowler-friendly pitches could limit his output.
• June 2026: New Zealand (h, 3 Tests)
  Projected: 270 runs at 45, total 14,179.
  Early summer conditions and New Zealand’s quicks, led by Matt Henry, will challenge Root, but his home form (averaging 52.3) bodes well.
• August–September 2026: Pakistan (h, 3 Tests)
  Projected: 330 runs at 55, total 14,509.
  Root thrives against Pakistan, with a 254 in 2016 and a double century in 2024. His spin mastery (63.5 average vs. spin) should shine.
• December 2026–February 2027: South Africa (a, 3 Tests)
  Projected: 240 runs at 40, total 14,749.
  Root averages 50.2 in South Africa, but spicy wickets could curb his scoring. Fitness will be key at 36.
• February 2027: Bangladesh (a, 2 Tests)
  Projected: 200 runs at 50, total 14,949.
  Root’s spin prowess should exploit Bangladesh’s conditions, though his 24.5 average there in 2016 suggests caution.
• March 2027: Australia (a, 1 Test)
  Projected: 80 runs at 40, total 15,029.
  A one-off Melbourne Test for Test cricket’s 150th anniversary. Likely Root’s last in Australia, a chance to finally notch a century.
• Summer 2027: TBC (1 Test + Ashes, 5 Tests)
  Projected: 420 runs at 37, total 15,449.
  The Ashes at home could see a declining Root (aged 36), but his 2022 home Ashes (557 runs) suggest resilience. A potential World Test Championship final adds a Test.
• 2027–28: TBC (5 Tests, likely India)
  Projected: 350 runs at 35, total 15,799.
  A grueling India tour could push Root close, leveraging his 50.8 average there.
• Summer 2028: TBC (6 Tests)
  Projected: 390 runs at 35.5, total 16,189.
  At 37, Root could surpass Tendulkar’s 15,921 by mid-summer, possibly against weaker opposition. Only 122 runs needed at the start.

The Challenges: Age, Injuries, and Decline

Root’s durability is remarkable, but at 34, risks mount. Alastair Cook retired at 33, citing Test cricket’s toll, while Root’s occasional back issues could worsen. Great batsmen often taper off in their mid-30s—Tendulkar averaged 36.2 from 35–39, compared to Root’s current 50.1. If Root’s form dips to a 35–40 average, he’ll need 65–75 more innings (8–10 Tests) to reach 15,921, pushing the timeline to 2028. England’s schedule—25 Tests by 2028—offers ample opportunity, but injuries or a sudden drop-off could derail him.

Why It Matters: A Record for the Ages

Root overtaking Tendulkar would be monumental. Tendulkar’s 15,921 runs in 200 Tests (average 53.8) set a benchmark unlikely to be challenged again, given Test cricket’s decline outside the “big three” (England, Australia, India). Root’s 157 Tests and 50.1 average reflect a different era—fewer Tests, tougher conditions—but his consistency (44 centuries, 65 fifties) and hunger (“feels like Peter Pan”) make him the prime candidate. X posts from July 24, 2025, buzz with excitement: “Root’s chasing history!” one user wrote, though another cautioned, “Injuries could stop him.”

The Road Ahead: Root’s Final Climb

If Root stays fit, 2028 could see him eclipse Tendulkar, possibly at Lord’s or The Oval, though not his beloved Headingley, which lacks a 2028 Test. His projected 16,189 runs by summer 2028 would cement his legacy as Test cricket’s greatest run-scorer, a record likely unassailable. But the grind of 25 more Tests, aging joints, and fierce attacks like Australia’s loom large. Root’s assault on history is within reach—just don’t expect it to be easy.