ENG Vs IND: Joe Root Surpasses Ricky Ponting With A Monumental Feat On Day 3 Of The Manchester Test

As the sun bathed Old Trafford in gold on Day 3 of the fourth Test between England and India, the roar that echoed from the stands wasn’t just for a century. It was for history in the making. Joe Root, the backbone of England’s Test revival in the last decade, etched his name above the iconic Ricky Ponting, becoming the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket. Only the great Sachin Tendulkar now stands above him in the game’s longest and most revered format.

But while the numbers dazzled, it was the manner of Root’s innings—assured, calm, and elegant—that truly captivated fans around the world. His unbeaten century not only rewrote history books but also pushed India to the brink, as England tightened their grip on both the match and the series.

Let’s delve into the drama, milestones, and masterclass that Day 3 at Old Trafford delivered.

Setting the Scene: Old Trafford Test, the Stakes Soaring

The fourth Test of this high-stakes India tour to England was billed as a potential decider. With England leading the five-match series 2-1 heading into Manchester, India needed a win to stay alive. The pitch at Old Trafford promised early seam movement, but with time, it was expected to flatten—making first-innings runs vital.

India batted first and posted a solid 358, built around half-centuries from Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and a courageous 58 from Rishabh Pant—who batted through visible discomfort after injuring his knee on Day 1. The innings, however, could have stretched further had England not fought back with tight spells from James Anderson, Chris Woakes, and Joe Root himself, who chipped in with a key wicket.

India’s 358 was challenging, but not imposing. And England, with a sun-soaked outfield and a flat deck by Day 2, had a golden opportunity to respond. Respond they did—emphatically.

Day 3: The Root of All Greatness

The morning began with a buzz. Joe Root, overnight on 46, stood within touching distance of history. Needing 104 more runs to surpass Ricky Ponting’s tally of 13,378 Test runs, the Yorkshireman had Manchester dreaming of a milestone day.

He didn’t disappoint.

The Moment That Echoed Through Time

At 10:51 AM, in the 66th over of England’s innings, Root guided a rising delivery from India’s promising debutant Anshul Kamboj through backward point. A single. A moment. A record.

As Root jogged across, the crowd rose. Banners unfurled. Applause thundered across Old Trafford, and the familiar chant of “Roooooooooot” rang out like a hymn.

With that single, Joe Root overtook Ricky Ponting to claim the second spot on the all-time Test run charts—only Sachin Tendulkar’s monumental 15,921 ahead now. Root’s tally stood at 13,379 runs, but the number told only part of the story. The elegance, consistency, and grace with which he’s climbed this ladder make his journey a tale of modern Test greatness.

Root’s Knock: A Hundred for the Ages

This was not a knock built on brute force or reckless aggression. It was vintage Joe Root—fluid footwork, measured aggression, perfect placement, and relentless discipline.

Composed Centurion

Root’s 38th Test century—leveling with Sri Lankan maestro Kumar Sangakkara—came with a flick through midwicket off Shardul Thakur. He removed his helmet, raised his bat to all corners, and embraced Ben Stokes at the other end. There was emotion but also quiet satisfaction. Root’s longevity and hunger are a testament to his elite mindset.

Mastering the Conditions

What made this innings even more special was how Root read the surface. The Manchester pitch, traditionally assisting seamers early, had flattened out. Root was quick to cash in. He rotated strike effortlessly, punished anything short, and used the depth of the crease to disrupt India’s length.

England’s Batting: Crawley, Duckett, and Pope Lay the Foundation

While Root took the headlines, England’s dominant position was built on a spectacular top-order performance:

Crawley-Duckett Partnership: A Flying Start

Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett were breathtaking. Their 166-run opening partnership came at a brisk pace, rattling India’s bowlers. Duckett, in particular, was daring—sweeping both pacers and spinners with audacity. His 94 was a counter-attacking masterclass before a mistimed pull ended his innings six short of a well-deserved century.

Crawley, more circumspect, crafted 84 with authority, driving with grace and leaving with purpose. Their opening stand ensured England wiped off India’s lead before lunch on Day 2, setting the tone for a commanding reply.

Ollie Pope’s Contribution

Pope, returning from a thumb injury, slotted into No. 3 seamlessly. He showed no signs of rust, timing the ball sweetly en route to 71. His partnership of 102 with Root kept India hunting for wickets and drained the energy out of their bowling attack.

India’s Bowling: Brilliant in Patches, Lacking Penetration

With England sitting at 433/4 by tea on Day 3, India looked out of ideas. Their bowlers tried but couldn’t find the consistency to unsettle a well-set batting lineup.

Anshul Kamboj’s Debut Effort

The 21-year-old debutant showed promise. While his speeds hovered around mid-130s, his control and ability to move the ball impressed. He picked up Crawley with a nip-backer and troubled Root occasionally. But the lack of support meant his efforts were in vain.

Washington Sundar’s Grit

Sundar was India’s most effective bowler, bagging two wickets including that of Duckett. His subtle variations and smart use of the crease gave India rare breakthroughs. But the rest of the spin unit—Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel—looked flat and underwhelming on a surface that offered little turn.

India’s First Innings: Brave but Incomplete

India’s 358 had heart but lacked a killer punch. After strong starts from Rohit (61) and Jaiswal (74), a collapse in the middle order cost them momentum. Rishabh Pant, batting through pain, struck a memorable 58 with three sixes—one off Root that sailed into the media box.

But wickets at regular intervals meant India left at least 50 runs on the table, which might now cost them the game.

Where the Match Stands: England in Total Control

At the end of Day 3:

England: 433/4 in 102 overs
- Joe Root: 121* (226)
- Ben Stokes: 36* (61)
Lead: 75 runs
Wickets in hand: 6
Pitch condition: Flat, no assistance for bowlers
India’s task: Huge mountain to climb

Unless a miraculous bowling performance or second-innings batting masterclass unfolds, England look set to take a 3-1 series lead.

The Root Legacy: How High Can He Go?

Joe Root’s ascension to second place in the all-time Test run list is not just a personal triumph—it is symbolic of his generation’s revival of red-ball cricket.

All-Time Test Run Leaders (As of July 2025)

Rank	Player	Matches	Runs	100s
1	Sachin Tendulkar	200	15,921	51
2	Joe Root	147	13,379*	38
3	Ricky Ponting	168	13,378	41
4	Jacques Kallis	166	13,289	45
5	Rahul Dravid	164	13,288	36

*Root still active and scoring

At 34, Root still has several years left in him. A realistic run at Tendulkar’s 15,921 is no longer fantasy. With form, fitness, and hunger intact, Root might just finish as the greatest Test batter of all time.

What Next?

Day 4 beckons, and with England poised to extend their lead beyond 150-200, the spotlight will turn to India’s second innings. Can they rally with the bat? Will Rishabh Pant defy injury again? Or will Root’s century and the pressure of a mountainous deficit be too much?

The answers will come soon. But Day 3 belonged to one man.
Joe Root—the artist, the accumulator, the history-maker.

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