'Focus is on helping England win matches' - Joe Root on targeting Sachin Tendulkar's record run tally in Tests

Joe Root has been a pillar for England with the bat over the years, especially in Test cricket. His consistent performances have taken him to No. 6 on the list of leading run-getters in the longest format of the game. Root needs just 71 more runs to become the highest run-getter in Test cricket for his country. He is only behind his former captain Alastair Cook, who finished with 12,472 runs in his illustrious red-ball career.

Root is only 31 years old and has age on his side and that is why many are backing him to break Sachin Tendulkar's world record for the most Test runs. The Master Blaster amassed a whopping 15,921 runs in his career but Root might eclipse him with the way he is galloping forward.

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Ahead of the three-match Test series between England and Pakistan, Root addressed the press in Multan, where he was asked whether he is targeting Tendulkar's all-time record. However, the former Test captain said that he was more focused on helping England win matches.

"I think, more than anything, you judge yourself based on how many games you can affect and how many games you can win for the team. The big driver for me is how many times I can contribute to winning games for England. If with that mindset, I am trying to be successful in whatever conditions are in front of me, that is a good enough driver for me. I want to keep enjoying myself and keep playing. I look at enjoying that at the moment," Joe Root said, responding to the Sachin Tendulkar question on Saturday, October 5.

I see myself playing Test cricket for a lot longer: Joe Root

When asked if he is looking to go past Cook's run tally during the tour of Pakistan, Root said he is not looking at any particular milestone and mentioned that he would want to continue playing for England for many more years.

"The only reason that comes to my mind is people keep asking about it. I see myself playing Test cricket for a lot longer. It’s not like I am going to get to a certain number or mark and stop, I just want to keep playing and enjoying the game. It’s a great team to play in, we have so much fun on and off the field. As long as that remains, I will have the drive to keep playing and keep helping the team win matches," Root added.

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The first Test commences on Monday, October 7, and it will be played at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan. England recently defeated the West Indies and Sri Lanka at home and would want to continue their winning streak against a rattled Pakistan side which is coming off a first-ever Test series defeat against Bangladesh.