ENG vs IND 2025: Ollie Pope backs Joe Root to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s Test tally | CricTracker

England top-order batter Ollie Pope has said he would not be surprised if Joe Root surpasses Sachin Tendulkar to become the all-time leading run-scorer in Test cricket. Root climbed to second place on the list of highest Test run-getters after overtaking Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting on Friday, July 25.

While Tendulkar remains at the top with 15,921 runs, the 34-year-old now has 13,409 runs following his brilliant 150 in the ongoing fourth Test against India. Pope, who contributed a solid 71 on day three to help England post 544 for seven at stumps, praised Root’s consistency and passion for the game. He noted that Root has both the hunger and the enduring love for playing Test cricket for England.

“He loves playing for England in Test cricket more than anything so I’m sure if his body allows…he’ll obviously be driven to make it to number one but I think he just wants to keep playing for as long as he can,” said Pope as quoted by Deccan Chronicle.

“The excitement he still has to play Test cricket, 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,” he added.

Pope felt that Root was not someone who focused on individual milestones, although he was aware of the numbers he had achieved. He also shared his confidence that England were in a strong position and had a realistic chance of winning the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester.

“He’s not a big one for landmarks, but that’s a pretty cool one. Becoming 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. 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,” said Pope.

The England vice-captain also believed that the England team was aiming to bat only once in the match, with an intent to extend their lead further and then use the ball to apply pressure on 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.

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