Joe Root
England’s veteran batter Joe Root achieved a historic milestone on Friday, becoming the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history during the third day of the fourth Test match against India at Old Trafford. Root’s superb innings of 150 runs not only bolstered England’s strong position in the match but also elevated him past several cricketing greats on the all-time runs list.
The 34-year-old Yorkshireman, playing in his 157th Test, surpassed Ricky Ponting’s tally of 13,378 runs with a graceful single to the offside. Root’s new total of 13,409 Test runs now places him just behind India’s Sachin Tendulkar, who remains at the top with 15,921 runs. The Manchester crowd gave him a rousing ovation as he reached the landmark, with chants echoing around Old Trafford in celebration of one of England’s finest cricketers.
Root’s innings was nothing short of masterful. He arrived at the crease in the 39th over with England already in a comfortable position at 197/2. What followed was a display of poise, technical brilliance, and mental strength as he guided England into a commanding lead. His ton was not only a personal milestone but also a strategic asset in pushing India onto the back foot in a critical match of the five-game series, which England currently lead 2-1.
In a remarkable sequence during the 57th and 58th overs, Root surged past Rahul Dravid (13,288) and Jacques Kallis (13,289) before eclipsing Ponting in the 101st over. His achievement of crossing 1,000 Test runs at Old Trafford also underscores his love affair with the venue and his consistency in home conditions.
Root’s 38th Test century draws him level with Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara for fourth place in the list of most Test hundreds. He now trails only Ponting (41), Kallis (45), and Tendulkar (51) in that elite club. What makes Root’s achievement even more extraordinary is his evolution in recent years. In his first 97 Tests, he recorded only 17 centuries from 49 half-centuries, struggling to convert starts into big scores. However, since 2021, in 60 Tests, he has scored 21 centuries, converting more than half of his fifties into hundreds—a sign of maturity and focus in the latter phase of his career.
Commentators and cricketing legends alike lauded his achievement. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting called it “a great moment in history,” adding that there’s no reason Root can’t overtake Tendulkar in the coming years. Former England captain Michael Atherton echoed the sentiment, praising Root’s consistency and grace under pressure.
With one more Test remaining in the series, set to begin at the Oval next week, Joe Root not only continues to be England’s batting backbone but is now writing his name among the very best to ever play the game.
