Historic Landmark Achieved
England: On Day Three (July 25, 2025) of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Joe Root delivered a superb innings of 150 runs, propelling him past Ricky Ponting into second place on Test cricket’s all‑time run‑scorer list. His career total reached approximately 13,409 runs, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar’s 15,921 total.
Milestone Century
Root’s innings marked his 38th Test century, tying Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara for fourth on the all‑time centuries list. Along the way, he also surpassed Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis to climb into third before edging past Ponting mid‑innings.
England’s Dominant Position
England closed the day at 544–7, leading India by 186 runs at stumps. That commanding total put them in the driver’s seat with two days left, and on course to seal the series with a win in the fourth Test and eliminate the need for a decider.
Contributions Around Root
Ben Stokes—despite retiring hurt on 66 due to cramp—returned later to compile an unbeaten 77, anchoring the tail alongside Liam Dawson (21*). Ollie Pope supported with a well‑timed 71, helping forge a 144‑run partnership with Root early in the day.
Indian Bowling Under Pressure
India’s bowling attack struggled, with injuries to key seamers (e.g. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj showing fatigue or being sidelined) and intermittent contributions from Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja failing to maintain consistent pressure. Sundar managed two wickets but could not turn the tide. Bowling coach Morné Morkel remarked that India lacked sustained partnership pressure and energy, while England applied relentless dominance.
Context Within the Series
England now hold a 2–1 series lead in this five‑match contest. With two days remaining in Manchester, they are clear favourites to clinch the series without requiring a fifth Test.
Root’s Legacy and Future Ambitions
At 34 years of age, Root has set his sights on challenging Tendulkar’s all‑time record—former captain Michael Vaughan suggested Root will surpass that mark by 2027 if he stays fit and consistent. Root himself remains characteristically modest, with teammates like Pope praising his humility and hunger for the game rather than personal milestones.
Tactical and Psychological Impact
Root’s unbeaten and composed innings deflated India’s hopes, while England’s strategic deployment of batsmen in form underscored their readiness to capitalise on momentum. Old Trafford’s crowd rose in applause at each landmark, and commentators—including Ponting—called this performance a defining moment in Test history. Meanwhile, fitness concerns linger over Stokes and swing concerns may trouble India further in subsequent innings
Outlook and Final Thoughts
With one Test remaining and a substantial lead, England appear on course for a series‑clinching win at Old Trafford. Root’s landmark innings will stand out as the catalyst. If do close out victory emphatically, it will highlight not only Root’s sustained excellence but also the resilience of a team that continues to thrive on aggression and discipline under pressure.
