Joe Root Climbs to Second Place among Test Cricket’s Top Run-Scorers
England’s Joe Root has overtaken Australian great Ricky Ponting to secure the second-highest position on the all-time Test run-scorers list, following a commanding 38th century during England’s pursuit of a series-clinching win against India.
England’s Commanding Lead in Fourth Test at Old trafford
by the close of day three in the fourth Test at Old Trafford,England stood firmly at 544 for 7 wickets,holding a first-innings lead of 186 runs over india. With the series scoreline favoring ben Stokes’ team 2-1, England appeared well-positioned to seal victory and extend their dominance.
A Landmark Innings from Root
The Yorkshire batsman delivered an exquisite and authoritative innings of exactly 150 runs. At age 34, Root now boasts an remarkable career aggregate of 13,409 Test runs-second only to Sachin Tendulkar’s monumental record of 15,921 runs.
Crucial Partnerships Shift Momentum
A defining partnership emerged as ollie Pope contributed a resilient 71 before falling to Washington Sundar. Together with Root, Pope added a vital stand worth 144 runs for the third wicket. Sundar also dismissed Harry Brook cheaply soon after, briefly rekindling India’s hopes.
Ben Stokes’ determination Keeps England in Control
Despite battling cramp and temporarily retiring hurt during play, captain Ben Stokes returned unbeaten on 77 by stumps. His unwavering grit ensured that England maintained momentum as they pushed toward securing victory.
A Celebrated Milestone Surpassed
The crowd erupted when Root surpassed Ricky Ponting’s career run tally with a single that took him past 13,379 runs. The former Australian captain acknowledged Root’s remarkable journey and expressed confidence that he could eventually eclipse Tendulkar’s legendary record.
“Root’s trajectory leaves no doubt he will surpass Tendulkar,” said Ponting amid cheers from Manchester fans honoring the English star.
An Elite Club: Century Makers in Cricket History
This latest hundred also matched Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara for fourth place on cricket’s all-time list for most centuries scored in Tests-a testament to Root’s consistency and class over more than ten years at international level.
“Watching Joe reach these milestones has been truly inspiring,” remarked former England skipper Michael Atherton about his enduring excellence.
Praise from Teammates Highlights Leadership Impact
Treated for cramp after play prevented immediate media interaction; vice-captain Ollie Pope praised his teammate:
- Pope noted: “His relentless drive inspires everyone around him; every batter here learns something valuable from Joe.”
- Pope added: “He excels not just on-field but off it too-his connection with fans makes him an astonishing role model inspiring future generations.”
The Challenge Presented by India’s Bowling Attack
The Indian bowling unit found it challenging to contain Root throughout his innings. Morne morkel-the former South African pacer turned bowling coach-remarked there are very few weaknesses in his game which explains why he has accumulated over thirteen thousand runs across formats so far.
Tactical Battles Define Day Three Action
the day began with England resuming strongly on their overnight score of 225 for two wickets after Zak Crawley (92) and Ben Duckett (74) laid down an aggressive foundation early on day two. At this stage Pope was unbeaten on twenty while Root had yet to fully settle with eleven runs recorded.
- An early moment saw root narrowly survive an lbw review against Mohammed Siraj when replays confirmed ball missing leg stump despite initial umpire hesitation;
- Soon after came another close call when Ravindra Jadeja missed effecting a run-out chance;
Cementing His Legacy Among Cricket Legends
- This innings propelled Joe past Rahul Dravid (India) & Jacques Kallis (South Africa), moving into third place among highest run-scorers worldwide;
- Bumrah & Siraj showed signs of fatigue without injured Nitish Kumar Reddy present; spin bowler Washington Sundar made breakthroughs removing both Ollie Pope & Harry Brook;
Bumrah And Sundar Deliver Key breakthroughs For India
< p > Despite resistance mainly through Stokes’ composed fifty-which was interrupted due to cramps-Indian spinners finally found success where pace bowlers had struggled earlier .
< p > The milestone century arrived off debutant Anshul Kamboj who proved ineffective against well-timed shots including one glanced four . Eventually , left-arm spinner Jadeja trapped root out via sharp bounce delivery resulting into stumping executed swiftly by Dhruv Jurel , substitute keeper filling Rishabh Pant ‘ s absence .
< h4 > Final Overs Set Stage For Closing Battle Between Teams
< p > Chris Woakes fell victim next ball bowled low keeping line tight , signaling challenges ahead if Indians want comeback chances.Together occurring , all-rounder Stokes resumed confidently hitting cover drives off Bumrah maintaining momentum towards potential match-winning total.
< h1 > Conclusion: A Defining Chapter In Modern Cricket History
< p > joe root ‘ s ascent up cricket ‘ s elite ranks highlights dedication combined with extraordinary talent shaping today ‘ s game landscape . As records fall one after another , this chapter reminds us how sporting greatness evolves continuously inspiring millions worldwide watching moments like these unfold live or digitally streamed globally reaching billions annually according ICC reports showing growing fan engagement especially post-pandemic era boosting cricket popularity beyond traditional strongholds such as UK subcontinent Australia New Zealand South Africa etcetera . This ongoing saga promises thrilling contests ahead featuring emerging stars alongside established legends rewriting history book pages daily within sport beloved universally known simply as cricket . rnrn
