Former England captain Michael Vaughan has voiced his belief that Joe Root can surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record for most Test runs. On Sunday, Root reached his 32nd Test century during England‘s match against the West Indies on day 4 of the second Test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. In the process, Root also overtook the legendary Shivnarine Chanderpaul to become the eighth-highest run-scorer in the history of Test cricket.

In the second innings, Root’s impressive knock of 122, powered by 10 fours, enabled England to set a daunting target of 385. The hosts went on to secure a resounding 241-run victory, taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Vaughan, the former English captain, was particularly impressed with Root’s approach, commending him for skillfully playing his trademark reverse scoop shot until he reached his century.

“In the coming months, Joe Root is on track to surpass England’s all-time run-scoring record. Furthermore, his exceptional talent indicates that he may ultimately eclipse the legendary run totals of Sachin Tendulkar. Notably, the England batters have displayed a more measured approach, scoring quickly without the recklessness of the past. Their quick scoring does not appear driven by ego, but rather by a disciplined, sensible game plan,” Vaughan wrote in his column for The Telegraph.

“Joe Root’s performance proved vital in England’s victory. I particularly admired how he refrained from using the reverse-scoop shot until he had already scored a century and England had built a commanding lead,” he stated.

The 33-year old is closing in on two major England Test batting records held by Alastair Cook. Root is just shy of matching Cook’s record of 33 Test centuries, the most by an English batter. Additionally, Root needs 532 more runs to surpass Cook as England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer.

Root is just 60 runs shy of becoming only the seventh player in history to reach the 12,000-run milestone in Test cricket. Additionally, he has surpassed the career run tally of legendary West Indian batsman Brian Lara.