Sachin Tendulkar vs Joe Root: Statistical Comparison of the Two After 152 Test Matches
Joe Root will surely go down as one of the game’s greats. His records speak volumes about his ability. Joe Root surpassed Sir Alastair Cook to become England’s leading run-scorer of all time in test cricket. Standing at number 5 in the list of all-time leading run scorers in test cricket, Joe Root can surpass the great Sachin Tendulkar in terms of runs and centuries. The 34-year-old has the opportunity to do something unimaginable. With age, fitness, and form in his favor, Root can go on to become the greatest test batter of all time.
Since it is about Joe Root surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s legacy, let’s look at the stats of the two in the same number of matches in test cricket. As they say, numbers don’t lie. The two differ in their style, strengths, weaknesses, and approaches.
Have a look at Sachin Tendulkar vs Joe Root of two batting maestros of their generation after 152 matches:
Who has the upper hand in terms of Average, Runs, and 100s?
| Player | Mats | Inns | Runs | Avg | 100s | 50s | NOs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 152 | 248 | 12037 | 54.22 | 39 | 50 | 26 |
| Joe Root | 152 | 278 | 12972 | 50.87 | 36 | 65 | 23 |
The two legends of the game differ in various aspects of the game. While Sachin was more traditional in style and textbook approach and loved to take challenges head-on, Root is more of a batter who likes to dominate the bowler. Since the Bazball era, he re-invented himself and adopted a new style of approach to the game. Starting as a classical batsman, Root has now molded himself into playing a bit of unorthodox cricket. The two have been successful in their approach to the game and have garnered millions of fans across the country.
Sachin Tendulkar vs Joe Root: Ideal Comparison
After 152 test matches, Sachin had scored 12037 runs, which was against Australia in a home series. As of now, after 152 test matches, Root stands at 12972 and last played in New Zealand at Seddon Park. In terms of runs, Root has an edge over Sachin of almost a difference of 900 runs, but it is also visible that Root also played 30 innings more than Sachin in 152 Test matches.
Both the batters are known for their knack of playing big innings, and their records speak for them. After 152 tests, Sachin had 39 centuries and 50 half-centuries. In comparison, Root has 36 centuries and 65 half-centuries to his name. It reflects their ability to occupy the crease and put a price on their wickets. Their will and determination to score runs amidst the adverse conditions make them tough to bowl to. In the given number of test matches, Sachin had an average of 54.22, while Root averaged 50.87. Sachin easily leads Root in the average scenario but, let’s not statistics mislead into undervaluing either of them. An average of 50 and over shows their consistency and dominance throughout their career in the test format.
Sachin Tendulkar vs Joe Root as Player of the Match Awards
Another major part of playing a sport is winning the Player of the Match award for your incredible performance in a particular match which helps the team to dominate. This makes a statement about your contribution to the team’s winning environment and strengthens your position in the team. While Tendulkar had 11 Player of the Match awards to his name, Root has had it for 13 times to date so far.
After the above comparison, it becomes easier to comprehend that not much difference lies between the two in terms of stats. However, one thing looks most likely to happen, i.e., Root surpassing Tendulkar’s legacy in terms of runs scored. Let’s wait and see what the future holds for one of the game’s greats and one of the classiest batters in test format.
