To surpass Sachin Tendulkar's world record for the most Test runs, how many runs does Joe Root need to score?

During the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, the England star continued his Midas touch by smashing his 41st Test century. Root, who didn't have a single ton when he arrived in Australia, has now scored two in the current Ashes, the first of which was earlier in Brisbane.

Root has proven to be a serious danger to the world record for the most Test runs. He is currently vying for Tendulkar's world record and is currently the second-highest run scorer in the longest format.

Root had 13777 runs going into the fifth Test, while Tendulkar led with 15921. He was behind the Master Blaster by 2144 runs, but the England master has since narrowed the difference to less than 2000 runs.

On the second day of the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, he achieved the necessary 145 runs to bring the difference between him and Tendulkar down to less than 2000 runs.

After hitting his 17th 150-plus score in Test cricket, Root surpassed Mahela Jayawardene to become the player with the most 150-plus knocks in the format. He is currently only behind Don Bradman, Tendulkar, Brian Lara, and Kumar Sangakkara.

1. Sachin Tendulkar: 20 runs totaling more than 150

2. Brian Lara: 19 hits totaling more than 150 runs

3. Kumar Sangakkara: 19 runs totaling more than 150

4. Don Bradman: 18 runs totaling more than 150

5. Joe Root: 17 hits totaling more than 150 runs

Root scored 15 fours in a brilliant knock. On 160, he chipped one back to Michael Neser, the bowler, ending his innings. The SCG supporters gave Root a standing ovation as he left. Josh Tongue, the last player, was removed by Neser as England was bowled out for 384.

With 160, Root is now not far behind Tendulkar in terms of the most Test runs. He is currently 1984 runs behind Tendulkar with 13937 runs in 297 Test innings.