“He’ll go past Tendulkar” – Former Australian coach’s explosive take on Joe Root in Ashes 2025-26

During the current fifth Ashes 2025–26 Test in Sydney, former Australian batter and coach Darren Lehmann referred to England star Joe Root as the best player since Sir Donald Bradman. Lehmann also thinks that in the upcoming years, the renowned England batsman will surpass Sachin Tendulkar's achievements in Test cricket. 

In the first innings of the Sydney Test, Root struck an incredible 160 from 242 deliveries, marking two three-figure runs in the series. Lehmann questioned the right-hander's status as one of Australia's best hitters because he had no Test hundreds before the Ashes.

“I've said it before, once he ticked off the hundred in Australia, he'll be the greatest player outside of Bradman, statistically. He'll break all the records. He'll beat Tendulkar, he'll make more hundreds than anyone else. And it'll take a lot of catching because he's quite fit,” Lehmann was quoted as saying by Times of India. 

Additionally, it was Root's 41st Test century, tying former Australian captain Ricky Ponting for third place, behind only Sachin Tendulkar (51) and Jacques Kallis (45). 

With his Sydney century, Root also got within 2,000 runs of Tendulkar's total Test runs of 15,921. Currently, the England No. 4 has amassed 13,937 runs at an average of more than 51 in 163 appearances.

"I'd love to”- Joe Root wants to play another Ashes series in Australia

As the current situation comes to an end, Joe Root has remained unsure about heading back to Australia for another Ashes series. When the Ashes are played in Australia next, the champion hitter will be 39 years old.

"Who knows? We'll see. I'd love to, but we'll see how things unfold in time," said Root.

England had a strong first innings of 384 thanks to Joe Root's heroics. The visitors gave up the Ashes urn after losing the first three Test matches.

Meanwhile, Australia have made England’s first innings total look measly. Thanks to 163 by Travis Head and 129* by Steve Smith, Australia ended day three on 518/7, with a lead of 134 runs.

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