ENG vs SL: 3 Test records Joe Root could break

Joe Root has been at the top of the ‘Fab Four’ list for a few years now. He has surged ahead of Virat Kohli, Steve Smith and Kane Williamson, scoring consistently in the longer format of the game. With over 12000 runs, the former England captain is the only active cricketer in the list of top 10 run scorers in Test cricket.

Root will soon get another chance to pile on the runs when the three-match Test series against Sri Lanka begins on Wednesday (August 21). Currently ranked No. 1 in the format, the right-hander has been in fine form recently, becoming the highest run-scorer in the series against the West Indies last month. Meanwhile, Root will also look to break a few records in the upcoming Lankan series.

Here are three records that Joe Root can break in the series against Sri Lanka:

3. Most runs for England in ENG-SL Tests

Joe Root needs 290 more runs to overtake the legendary Alastair Cook to become the highest run scorer for England in Tests against Sri Lanka. Root has scored 1001 runs from 10 matches against Lanka, while Cook finished his career with 1290 runs from 16 matches. If he manages to score 567 runs, he can also become the second-leading run-scorer in the rivalry by surpassing Kumar Sangakkara's 1568 runs. Mahela Jayawardene with 2212 runs is leading the chart.   

2. First batter to score 5,000 runs in WTC history

Root is the all-time leading run scorer in the World Test Championship (WTC) with 4598 runs in 100 innings of 55 matches. He needs 402 more runs to reach 5000 runs, a feat no other batter has achieved. The Yorkshire batter also holds the record for scoring most centuries and fifties in the tournament’s history.

1. Most runs in Tests for England

Root needs 446 runs in the next three Tests to become the highest run-scorer for England in Tests. This will also take him to the fifth-leading run-scorer overall. Currently, Alastair Cook is in the fifth position with 12,472 runs. Former England cricketer Graham Gooch is the third-highest run-getter for England in Test cricket with 8900 runs.

Also Read: Joe Root reaches another milestone in Test cricket, becomes 7th batter to complete 12000 runs