Root Raises England’s Lead at Old Trafford
Joe Root scored the second-highest run in Test cricket as England went to stumps on day three with 433-4 against India with a lead of 75 runs. Root scored 121 not out during tea on Friday and captain Ben Stokes, 36 not out. England came back at a score of 225-2 and continued to take command with consistent alliances.
In the second bowling session, the 34 year old first overtook the previous record of 13,378 career runs by Ricky Ponting by one run and later had a total of 13,380 career runs. He is only behind Sachin Tendulkar, who made 15,921 Test runs. Skysports commentator, Ponting, recognised the milestone and stated, Just one more to go. That being the manner that his career has hit the past five years, then there is simply no reason why not.”
The moment Ricky Ponting called Joe Root eclipsing his Test match runs tally in the Old Trafford commentary box! 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/u4NPNsD8m1
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 25, 2025
Strong Partnership Rebuilds England’s Innings
England began the day with Root and Ollie Pope both on half-centuries. Pope eventually fell for 71, caught by KL Rahul off Washington Sundar. Sundar struck again shortly after when Dhruv Jurel stumped Harry Brook for 3. The minor setback did not disrupt England’s momentum as Root and Stokes consolidated the innings.
The innings built on the strong foundation laid on day two. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett had put together an opening stand of 166, putting England firmly in control of the Test.
Joe Root celebrating his century
Milestone Moment for Root at Old Trafford
Root’s innings could have ended early after a miscommunication with Pope left him stranded on 22. Ravindra Jadeja missed the run-out chance, and Root survived. Earlier, he narrowly escaped an lbw appeal. Those moments faded as the Old Trafford crowd rose to applaud his century.
Root’s hundred marked his 38th in Tests and his 21st since 2021, equalling Andrew Strauss’s career total. His recent form began with his 37th century at Lord’s earlier in the series. Root’s current total of 13,380 runs moved him past Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis before eclipsing Ponting.
Joe Root is now the second-highest test run scorer of all time
Consistency and Desire Drive Root’s Climb
Root reached the 10,000-run mark three years ago, matching Alastair Cook’s age and days taken to reach the milestone. Unlike Cook, who retired after losing motivation, Root’s form and intent remain intact. Cook once said, “I scored 10,000 runs and something just changed a little bit. I didn’t have another goal to get.” In contrast, Root appears motivated and focused.
At Old Trafford, he faced Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj early in the day. Bumrah has dismissed Root 11 times in Tests. Despite the challenge, Root advanced steadily. He equalled Dravid’s total with a boundary off Bumrah and surpassed Kallis with two singles shortly after. The stadium scoreboard displayed his rise, prompting applause from the crowd.
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Pope and Ponting Praise Root’s Composure
After play, Pope reflected on Root’s milestone. “I’m sure he knew what the number was [to go to No 2], but he’s not a guy who wants to shout about those things,” he said. “He’ll be driven to make it to No 1 but I think he just wants to keep playing as long as he can.”
The moment Root overtook Ponting came with a single behind point off Anshul Kamboj. The crowd acknowledged the feat with applause. Root responded with a brief smile before resuming play. Ponting congratulated him during commentary and acknowledged the historical significance of the innings.
England Eyes Series Victory Against India
With a 75-run lead and six wickets in hand, England remains on course to extend its 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The team’s dominant performance with the bat positions it strongly heading into day four.
Root’s consistency continues to serve England well. Since the start of 2021, his scoring rate has accelerated. The century at Old Trafford followed his landmark innings at Lord’s, signalling sustained momentum.
Tendulkar’s Record Now in Sight
Root now sits more than 2,500 runs behind Tendulkar. With his current form, discussions about the world record will continue. Though he remains focused on the team, Root’s rise through the ranks positions him to challenge the top.
The crowd’s reception and his composure underlined the magnitude of the achievement. Root’s career remains on track, powered by form, intent, and opportunity.
