In Test cricket, only a handful of names command universal awe—Sachin Tendulkar and Joe Root are two of them. After Root’s 37th Test century against India at Lord’s on July 11, 2025, fans and critics worldwide have reignited a long-standing debate:
Can Joe Root dethrone Sachin Tendulkar as the greatest Test century-maker ever?
This post dives deep into stats, eras, performance under pressure, pitch conditions, and global dominance—revealing a clearer answer to this historic comparison.
📅 The Milestone Moment: Root’s 37th Test Century at Lord’s
On Day 2 of the 3rd Test against India, Joe Root walked in under pressure. England was reeling early, but Root remained calm, composed, and classical. With elegant drives and deft touches, he reached his 37th Test century, making:
- 🏟️ 11th century vs India
- 🏛️ 8th century at Lord’s (equaling the all-time record at the ground)
- 🥇 Now ranks 5th in all-time Test century makers
🔥 His celebration was quiet, confident—like a man with unfinished business.
📊 Root vs Tendulkar: Full Comparison Table
| Attribute | Joe Root | Sachin Tendulkar |
|---|---|---|
| 🏏 Test Centuries | 37 | 51 |
| 🎮 Matches Played | 156 | 200 |
| 📆 Test Debut | Dec 2012 | Nov 1989 |
| 🧮 Test Runs | 13,200+ | 15,921 |
| ⏱️ Century Frequency | 1 every ~4.2 Tests | 1 every ~3.9 Tests |
| ⚔️ Top Opponent Victims | India (11), SL (4), WI (4) | Australia (11), SL (9), SA (7) |
| 🧠 Batting Average | 49.55 | 53.78 |
| 🧭 Century on Debut? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (119 vs England, 1990) |
| 🔥 Highest Score | 254 vs Pakistan (Old Trafford, 2016) | 248* vs Bangladesh (Dhaka, 2004) |
| 🧳 Away Test Hundreds | 16 | 29 |
| 🏡 Home Test Hundreds | 21 | 22 |
| 🧬 Conversion Rate | 30% (100s per 50s) | 27% |
| 📈 Yearly Form (2020–25) | 15 centuries | Not applicable |
🧬 Conditions & Era Context
🕰️ Sachin's Era (1989–2013):
- Played against Wasim, Waqar, McGrath, Warne, Donald, Pollock, Murali, Shoaib
- Faced the best of West Indies, Pakistan, Australia, South Africa
- Bats were smaller, helmets less safe, DRS non-existent
⌛ Root's Era (2012–2025):
- Faced top attacks: Bumrah, Rabada, Cummins, Boult, Hazlewood
- DRS challenges, moving Dukes ball in England, spin in Asia
- Batting under media pressure & cramped schedules
💡 Verdict:
Both had tough conditions. But Root arguably plays in more balanced but challenging times, especially at home with swinging conditions.
🌍 Century Distribution: Global Impact 🌐
Root:
- 🇮🇳 India – 11 centuries (most vs any team)
- 🇦🇺 Australia – 4 centuries
- 🇵🇰 Pakistan – 3 centuries
- 🇿🇦 South Africa – 3 centuries
- 🏡 England – 21 of 37 centuries at home
Tendulkar:
- 🇦🇺 Australia – 11 centuries
- 🇿🇦 South Africa – 7 centuries
- 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka – 9 centuries
- 🏡 India – 22 of 51 at home
🏅 Winner for Overseas Prowess: Tendulkar (29 away centuries)
🔥 But Root’s record against India in England is unmatched
🎯 Key Match-Winning Tons: Impact Analysis
📌 Joe Root:
- 218 vs India, Chennai (2021) – sealed victory in Asia
- 180* vs India, Lord’s (2021) – match-saver
- 254 vs Pakistan, Old Trafford (2016) – dominant innings
- 100 vs SL, Galle (2021) – set tone for England’s 2-0 sweep
📌 Sachin Tendulkar:
- 114 vs Australia, Perth (1992) – pace and bounce masterclass
- 136 vs Pakistan, Chennai (1999) – heartbreaking near-victory
- 103* vs England, Chennai (2008) – post-26/11 tribute ton
- 241* vs Australia, Sydney (2004) – patience over flair
🏆 Tendulkar had more 4th innings classics and pressure knocks
🎯 Root has better big-score consistency lately
📣 What the Experts Say
🗣️ Michael Vaughan: “Joe Root is already the best England has ever produced in Test cricket.”
🗣️ Ravi Shastri: “Tendulkar carried Indian cricket on his shoulders for decades—no one matched that weight.”
🗣️ Nasser Hussain: “Root is rewriting modern batting manuals. A genius.”
🔮 Can Joe Root Break the 51-Century Record?
- Root is 34 years old
- If he plays until 38, he could play 30–35 more Tests
- Needs 15 more centuries to surpass Sachin
📈 Math Says:
- 15 centuries in 35 Tests = 1 century every 2.3 Tests
- Very ambitious, but possible if form continues
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Has any English player scored more centuries than Joe Root?
A: No. Root is now the highest century-scorer in England’s history.
Q2: Who scored more centuries vs India—Root or Tendulkar?
A: Root now has 11 vs India. Sachin scored 9 vs India’s top rivals.
Q3: Will Root reach 50 Test tons?
A: If he plays 3–4 more years, at this rate, he could reach or even surpass it.
Q4: Who played under tougher conditions—Sachin or Root?
A: Both had tough eras, but Root plays in a more bowling-friendly, media-heavy era.
Q5: Is Sachin still the greatest despite Root’s rise?
A: Statistically, Sachin still leads. But Root is building a modern legacy that can rival it.
🏁 Final Verdict: A Tale of Two Masters 🏆
While Sachin Tendulkar’s 51 Test centuries remain untouched, Joe Root is crafting a legacy that may soon sit beside it—if not above it. Root’s adaptability, leadership under pressure, consistency in hostile conditions, and hunger for runs make him one of modern cricket’s all-time greats.
Root’s 37th century isn’t just a number—it’s a statement. He’s coming for the crown.
Sachin is the greatest cricketer.
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