MANCHESTER (Web Desk) – Joe Root has rewritten the Test record books once again.
On a defining day at Old Trafford, the England star climbed past Ricky Ponting into second place on the list of all-time leading Test run scorers, finishing unbeaten on 121 at tea on day three of the fourth Test against India.
Root, who began the day behind Jacques Kallis and Rahul Dravid, moved into third position during the morning session. His composed half-century – his 104th such score in Tests – guided England to 332-2 by lunch. Only Sachin Tendulkar (119 fifties) stands ahead of Root’s 104 in the elite club of fifty-plus scores in Test history.
View this post on InstagramCentury and milestone
The Yorkshire batter's innings was not without its tense moments – he survived an LBW scare and a near run-out while still in his twenties. But once settled, Root looked every bit the master of his craft, breezing past landmarks and eventually raising his bat for a superb 38th Test hundred.
That milestone also brought him to 13,380 Test runs, nudging him ahead of former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting (13,378). Root’s record now stands at 157 Tests, 286 innings, 13,380 runs at an average of 51.04, with 37 centuries and 67 fifties.
With only Sachin Tendulkar (15,921) ahead, Root now sits firmly in second place on the all-time leaderboard. In the process, he has also overtaken Jacques Kallis (13,289 in 166 Tests) and Rahul Dravid (13,288 in 164 Tests).
Old Trafford specialist
Root’s century had added significance beyond the numbers. He became the first player to cross 1000 Test runs at Old Trafford, reaching 1041 runs in just 12 matches at the ground. With an impressive average of 69.40 at the Manchester venue, Root has hit eight fifties and one double-century here – a high score of 254.
Only Alastair Cook and Graham Gooch have managed to score 1000-plus Test runs at two English grounds. Root joins them, with more than 2000 Test runs also amassed at Lord’s.
England in command
Root’s century partnership with Ollie Pope laid the foundation for England’s first-innings dominance. Pope fell for 71 shortly after lunch, but not before helping England surpass India’s total. Despite a brief resurgence from India, including the stumping of Harry Brook by Washington Sundar, Root remained unflustered.
With captain Ben Stokes unbeaten on 36 and England 433-4 at tea, the hosts had built a 75-run lead. A win in Manchester would seal the series with one match to spare.