‘Umpires’ calls and a different ball’: Joe Root explains lean run as he chases Sachin Tendulkar’s record

File Pic: England’s Joe Root leaves the field after losing his wicket. (AP photo) Joe Root has allayed concerns over his indifferent batting form in England this summer, insisting his experience and record gives him confidence of finding a way through a difficult stretch as he continues his pursuit of Sachin Tendulkar’s Test runs record.Chasing Tendulkar’s record of 15,921 Test runs, Root has crossed 50 just twice this summer and averages 29.44. It is his second lowest domestic season average since his international debut 14 years ago.The 35-year-old has also been dismissed LBW nine times in his last seven Tests, including seven this summer. However, Root believes the batting conditions have made it unusually difficult.

Root points of test conditions

“I’ve played the game for a long time and I’ve always found ways to solve these problems and work through them,” Root told the BBC after the Lord’s Test against Pakistan.“I don’t see it as anything else. There is a reason why I have 14,000 runs (14,208) and a reason why I have played the best part of 15 years at this level.“Obviously it’s frustrating that there’s kind of a trend. There’s probably four umpires’ calls that could have gone the other way, and the ball is probably deflecting more than it ever has.”Root also pointed to Dukes’ ball as one possible reason for the unusually testing conditions batsmen have faced this summer. He indicated that there was a noticeable difference from last season when England and India pushed for the change of the ball several times during their series.“The proms were different this summer,” he said. “I think there’s a different varnish. They were worried it wouldn’t lose its shape. It would dent the surfaces more.”Despite his slim run, Root remains confident he can find a solution.“You try to be realistic and understand where everything is at, but also realize what you have to do to keep getting better and better. I’m pretty confident I’ll get through the other side. I’m not too worried.”

“You never got nothing in this game”

Root’s pursuit of Tendulkar’s record has brought his scoring under greater scrutiny, but the England batsman has used his current struggles to highlight how difficult sustained success can be in Test cricket.“You never get anything in this game,” Root said. “You’ve got to work at everything. You’ve got to keep working hard and I’m definitely going to continue to do that.”“You’re always going to be challenged and you’re always going to have to look to develop and learn, but I’ve never shied away from that and I’m certainly not going to move forward.”Root’s batting struggles have not prevented England from making a strong start to his second stint as captain. England beat Pakistan by 194 runs at Lord’s to seal the series, making it two wins from two Tests for Root since returning to the leadership role and England’s first Test series victory since 2024.