England batter Joe Root is on a record-breaking spree in Test cricket lately. During the recently held Test series against Sri Lanka, he overtook Sir Alastair Cook to become the most century maker for England in the longest format of the game.
Considering Root’s prolific form in recent years, discussions have started about whether the England batter can break Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar's record of 15921 runs, the most ever by a batter in Test cricket.
The 33-year-old is only 71 runs shy of dethroning Cook (12,472) to become England's leading Test run-scorer, while he stands 3,520 runs short of surpassing Tendulkar’s elusive feat.
However, personal milestones don't drive Root and his sole aim is to produce performances that contribute to England's victory.
"I think you judge yourself on how many games you can affect and how many games you can help win. So I think that's a big driver for me is how many times you can contribute to winning games for England. I think the mindset of trying to be successful in whatever conditions are in front of you is a good enough driver for me to keep going, keep enjoying, and keep playing. So I enjoy it at the moment," Root said in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Pakistan Test series.
Achieving a milestone and then retiring from the game is not something that lingers in his mind. Instead, Root is focused on enjoying, having fun, and using it as a driving factor to keep on playing Test cricket.
"I see myself playing Test cricket for a lot longer. It is not like I am going to get to a certain mark or number and say I am done now. I just want to keep enjoying the game and keep playing. It is a great team to play in. We have so much fun on and off the field. As long as I have that feeling inside me, I will have plenty of drive and determination to keep going and help England win Test matches," he remarked.
England are in Pakistan for a three-match Test series, scheduled to get underway on Monday (October 7) in Multan.
The visitors will miss the services of designated skipper Ben Stokes in the first Test as the all-rounder continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Ollie Pope will play the role of a stand-in captain in the series opener.
(With ANI Inputs)
