Joe Root delivered a masterclass at Old Trafford on Friday, scoring a commanding 150 to guide England to a dominant position against India in the fourth Test. His milestone knock not only helped his team build a first-innings lead of 186 but also elevated him to second place on the all-time list of Test run-scorers, overtaking Australia’s Ricky Ponting.
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Root, 34, now sits behind only India’s Sachin Tendulkar, with 13,409 Test runs to his name. It was his 38th Test century, bringing him level with Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara in terms of hundreds scored. The crowd erupted as Root reached the milestone, while former greats like Ponting and Michael Atherton praised the Yorkshireman’s incredible career and consistency.
England ended day three on 544 for 7, building on a strong platform laid by their openers and further extended by Root’s brilliance. Earlier in the innings, Ollie Pope added 71, forming a 144-run partnership with Root. Despite Pope’s dismissal and a quick fall of Harry Brook to Washington Sundar, England regained control with a composed stand from captain Ben Stokes.
Stokes, who retired hurt briefly due to cramp, returned to remain unbeaten on 77, offering crucial support and keeping India’s bowlers under pressure. The Indian pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, struggled to make breakthroughs, especially in the absence of injured Nitish Kumar Reddy. Washington Sundar, however, struck twice, including Brook’s stumping and Pope’s edge to slip, giving India some hope.
Root began the day cautiously, surviving two early scares—an lbw review and a run-out chance—but soon settled into his trademark rhythm. His century came off 178 balls with a deft glance to the boundary. After reaching the milestone, Root powered on, moving past Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis in the all-time list before a sharp delivery from Ravindra Jadeja ended his innings via a stumping.
England’s aggressive opening partnership between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett on day two had already set the tone, with a 166-run stand in just 32 overs. Friday’s efforts further cemented England’s control, with lower-order contributions from Chris Woakes before he was undone by a low ball from Siraj—an ominous sign for India’s batters heading into their second innings.
The day belonged to Root, whose poise and class kept the innings anchored. With England now in a commanding position and holding a 2-1 series lead, they’ll be pushing to seal the series at Old Trafford. Root’s innings wasn’t just a statistical achievement; it was a statement of England’s intent and a reminder of his place among the modern greats.
