MANCHESTER– With surgical precision and unshakable composure, Joe Root carved out a masterful unbeaten 121 to lead England into the driver’s seat against India on Day 3 of the fourth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at Old Trafford. In the process, Root leapfrogged Jacques Kallis, Rahul Dravid, and Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history.
Root’s 38th Test century—crafted off 178 deliveries—now puts him level with Kumar Sangakkara on the list of most Test hundreds, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Kallis. England ended the day at 433/4 in 102 overs, taking a crucial 75-run lead over a faltering Indian side.
India’s bowling attack showed signs of wear, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj both briefly leaving the field due to ankle issues, though Bumrah returned later in the day. The breakthrough finally came after lunch when Washington Sundar had Ollie Pope caught behind for 71, ending a pivotal 144-run stand with Root.
India’s gamble to hold off on taking the new ball paid immediate dividends when Sundar deceived Harry Brook in the air, drawing him out of his crease. Substitute wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel completed a clean stumping to dismiss Brook for just three.
Root, meanwhile, remained in complete control. After spending 18 deliveries in the 90s, he brought up his second century of the series and 12th overall against India with a flick off his pads in the 96th over. The Old Trafford crowd erupted in chants of “ROOOOT” as he acknowledged their applause.
The historic moment came in the 101st over, when Root guided Anshul Kamboj for a single behind point to surpass Ricky Ponting and claim the No. 2 spot on the all-time Test run-scorers list. His unbeaten 84-run stand with Ben Stokes (36 not out) has further tilted momentum in England’s favor as they look to build a commanding lead heading into Day 4.
Brief Scores:
India 358 in 114.1 overs (B Sai Sudharsan 61; Ben Stokes 5-72)
England 433/4 in 102 overs (Joe Root 121 not out, Ben Duckett 94; Washington Sundar 2-30, Anshul Kamboj 1-89)
England lead by 75 runs (Source: IANS)
