Joe Root Achieves Milestone in Test Cricket

Joe Root has ascended to third place on the all-time list of Test run-scorers, surpassing cricket legends Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis. This achievement came during England’s fourth Test match against India at Old Trafford. As of lunch on the third day, England was firmly in control, standing at 332-2, just 26 runs shy of India’s first-innings total of 358. Root, playing his 157th Test, was unbeaten on 63, while Ollie Pope was not out at 70.

England’s Dominant Position in the Series

England entered the day with a strong position, having resumed at 225-2 after a powerful opening partnership between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. The duo had set the tone with a blistering 166-run stand in just 32 overs on the second day. Despite India’s efforts, including those by top-ranked Test bowler Jasprit Bumrah, England maintained their momentum with Root and Pope at the crease.

Root’s Journey to Third Place

Root’s innings was marked by elegance and precision. He clipped Bumrah’s first ball of the day for four and later executed an uppercut off Mohammed Siraj for another boundary. A close call came when India reviewed an lbw decision against him, but replays confirmed the umpire’s ruling in Root’s favor. Another scare occurred when Ravindra Jadeja narrowly missed a run-out opportunity.

Applause for Root’s Historic Achievement

Root’s milestone was celebrated by the Manchester crowd as he moved past Dravid and Kallis with a single off Siraj. The applause and chants of “Rooot” echoed through the stadium as he secured his place behind only Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar on the all-time list.

India’s Struggle to Break England’s Partnership

Despite attempts by India captain Shubman Gill to disrupt England’s third-wicket partnership by introducing spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, Root and Pope remained steadfast. Pope reached his fifty in 93 balls, followed closely by Root who achieved the same landmark in 99 balls.