“That record of the most Test runs by a player is getting closer and closer” – Ben Stokes hails ‘England’s greatest’ Joe Root

England Test captain Ben Stokes lauded talismanic batter Joe Root as he is getting closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of most runs in Test cricket. The former Indian batter amassed 15921 runs in 200 Test matches at an impressive average of 53.79, including 51 centuries.

On the other hand, Root scored his 34th Test century against Sri Lanka in the second innings of the second Test match at Lord’s. With it, Root went past former England skipper Alastair Cook’s tally of centuries in the red-ball format to become country’s highest century-maker.

Earlier, Root had scored a fine knock of 143 runs in the first essay against Sri Lanka to level Cook’s record. The 33-year-old from Yorkshire has amassed 12377 runs in 145 Test matches at an average of 50.93. 

Ben Stokes said on Sky Sports, “He is just awesome. He is England’s greatest-ever batter and it is going to be hard to find another one like him for a very long time. Harry Brook maybe could do what he has done, but what Joe has achieved in the game is absolutely amazing and there is plenty more to come. That record of the most Test runs by a player is getting closer and closer.”

Stokes, who has observed Root from close quarters as a teammate, revealed England’s number four always puts the team ahead of himself.

“The thing about Joe is he is so unselfish, he puts the team first in whatever decision-making there is throughout a Test match or even throughout a series. He is an amazing player. I don’t think there is much more I can say about him, I have pretty much done all the superlatives with Joe in the 10 or 12 years I have played with him.”

Meanwhile, the talismanic all-rounder feels the stand-in skipper Ollie Pope has done a fine job for the team as a leader.

“I think Popey has done a brilliant job. “We are 2-0 up, we have been put under pressure at different times in the series against Sri Lanka and I think the way that Popey has reacted to those situations and wrestled momentum back into the game is something he has done really well,” said Stokes.

Stokes also showered praise on Gus Atkinson for an impressive start to his Test career.

“He has been amazing. I earmarked him as someone I thought could be successful at Test cricket on the India tour even though he didn’t play a game. He bowls at a high pace, he is a very skilful bowler and he has shown he has got more than just running in and bowling it fast. He has shown the world and himself what he is capable of with bat in his hand. For your first summer in Test cricket, I can’t remember there being a bigger impact,” Stokes added.

The third Test match between England and Sri Lanka will be played at the Kennington Oval, London from Friday onwards.