Joe Root is now the second-highest run-scorer in Test match history, vaulting past Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis and Rahul Dravid on day three Old Trafford.

Sachin Tendulkar stands atop the Test pile with 15,921 runs. That is still 2,542 clear of second place, at the point when Root surpassed Ponting.

With Test schedules being pared back, it is now essentially impossible for players from outside the ‘big three’ to overtake Tendulkar. New Zealand’s Kane Williamson will not be a contender for the top spot despite making his Test debut two years before Root and averaging almost four runs more. Even Steve Smith, who also made his debut two years before Root and averages six more, lies 3,000 runs behind his tally.

If Root overtakes Tendulkar, he will probably be the last man ever to do so – and therefore be the owner of the record for most runs in Test cricket which is never beaten.

Most important to Root’s chances of breaking the record is his desire to play on. How many times can a great Test cricketer return to the well?

At the same age, three months before turning 34, Alastair Cook retired from Test cricket, weighed down by the format’s demands. “It’s been something that’s been coming for 12-18 months,” Cook explained when he retired. “There is definitely something missing.”

Since Root relinquished the Test captaincy three years ago, there has been no hint of anything missing. Instead, back in the ranks, he feels like “Peter Pan”. Root is now playing his 157th Test. Incredibly, he has only missed two since his debut – one when he was dropped in 2014 in Australia, the other when on paternity leave in 2020. All cricketers, even batsmen, tend to pick up more injuries in their 30s; Root’s back has occasionally caused him discomfort.

As of the point when he climbed above Ponting, Root had scored 2,678 runs in his past 29 Tests – just over the tally that he needs to overtake Tendulkar. Aged 34, Root appears to be in his prime. History would suggest that, as he approaches his mid-30s, his returns will taper somewhat.

Here is how – providing he remains fit – Root might mount his assault on Tendulkar’s record and when top spot could be his.

June-August 2025: India (h, 1 Test to play): 160 runs at 40, taking total to 13,539

Another 160 runs over the remaining Test and a half against India.

November 2025-January 2026: Australia (a, 5 Tests): 370 runs at 37, taking total to 13,909

Root’s final frontier? He has been very consistent Down Under, reaching 50 nine times in 14 Tests – but he is yet to score an away Ashes century. Australia’s attack might be ageing, but remain outstanding; the country’s pitches have also become more bowler-friendly in recent years.

June 2026: New Zealand (h, 3 Tests): 270 runs at 45, taking total to 14,179

Matt Henry and New Zealand’s young quicks will challenge Root in early summer conditions.

August-September 2026: Pakistan (h, 3 Tests): 330 runs at 55, taking total to 14,509

In 2016 Root made his highest Test score, 254, at home to Pakistan, and hit another double century in Pakistan last year.

December 2026-February 2027: South Africa (a, 3 Tests): 240 runs at 40, taking total to 14,749

Root averages a fine 50.2 in South Africa, but can expect to encounter spicy wickets.

February 2027: Bangladesh (a, 2 Tests): 200 runs at 50, taking total to 14,949

Root only averaged 24.5 on England’s last tour to Bangladesh, which was drawn 1-1, but the country should suit his quality against spin. He averages 63.5 against spin in his Test career, compared to 47.3 against pace.

March 2027: Australia (a, 1 Test): 80 runs at 40, taking total to 15,029

A one-off Test in Melbourne, to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Test cricket. If he makes it this far, this will almost certainly be Root’s final Test in Australia.

Summer 2027: likely 1 Test v TBC: 60 runs at 60, taking total to 15,089

A curtain-raiser before the Ashes. Root might face a relatively modest attack; but if he does, he might only get to bat once. England could yet have an extra Test here if they qualify for the World Test Championship final at the fourth attempt.

Summer 2027: Ashes (5, Tests): 360 runs at 36, taking total to 15,449

Aged 36, will Root be gently declining? The history of great batsmen in Test cricket suggests so, although Graham Gooch is a notable exception.

2027-28: TBC (5 Tests?): 350 runs at 35, taking total to 15,799

Unknown opponents, but England could return to India – which would be logical, four years since their last tour there.

Summer 2028: 6 Tests v TBC: 390 runs at 35.5, taking total to 16,189

Another unknown, but England will not host Australia or India this summer. Will Root, aged 37, be showing signs of waning by now? But, at the start of the summer, he will be only 138 runs away from beating Tendulkar’s tally.

In 1977, at Headingley one of Yorkshire’s favourite sons Sir Geoffrey Boycott, scored his 100th first-class century in a Test there against Australia. Fifty-one years later, Root might be able to toast an even more extraordinary achievement. The only shame is that Headingley is not due to host a Test in 2028.

A version of this article was first published in October 2024, when Root became England’s leading Test run-scorer