Sir Alastair Cook backs Joe Root to surpass his record

Former England skipper Alastair Cook believes that Joe Root can surpass his record of becoming England's all-time leading run-scorer in Tests if he stays away from injuries.

Root reached the landmark of 10,000 runs by scoring a century on day four of the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's. He is the 14th player to achieve the feat, with Cook the only other English player to do so. 

Root achieved the feat in 218 innings, compared to 229 for Cook, but is the only batter to accomplish the feat in less than ten years after his debut. The Lord's Test was his 118th Test since he first played against India in 2012.

At the age of 31 years and 157 days, Root also equalled Cook's record for the youngest player to reach the 10,000-run mark.

The ex-English batter rates Root as the most complete batter in all three formats of the game while also recognizing Kevin Pietersen as the person who could play the most incredible innings for the team.

"The person who could play the most incredible innings was Kevin Pietersen, but for the most complete batsmen in all three forms, it's [Joe] Root. His consistency is incredible. He was a very good player of spin, as good as anyone," said Sir Alastair Cook on BBC sport.

It was under the leadership of Cook back in 2012 when Root made his Test debut against India in Nagpur. Recalling that time, Cook said Root was ready to play international cricket as, from the beginning, he could soak the pressure. 

Root is currently 2,457 runs behind Cook's mark of 12,472 runs, and Cook, who retired at the age of 33, believes that if Root keeps himself fit and away from injuries, he'll go past Cook's record with ease.

"He was ready to play international cricket. You knew he could handle the occasion. Barring injury, he'll go miles past my record,"

"I would never have said I would finish at 33, but the time felt right for me. The mental strain I felt from scoring runs took a toll on me. I'm not saying it's easy for him, but he doesn't seem to have that problem," said Cook on Root, being able to handle the pressure," he concluded.

Joe Root played an essential role in England's win over the visitors in the first Test of the three-match series. The English batter smashed the Blackcap bowlers in the second innings scoring an unbeaten 115* to help his side cruise past the finish line.