England Surpasses 500 Runs as Smith and Dawson Boost Lead

MANCHESTER: Thanks to a century packed with milestones from Joe Root, England established a commanding position on Day 3 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford.

The former skipper achieved his 38th Test century, crafting a brilliant 150, and ascended to the second spot among the leading Test run-scorers of all time, eclipsing legends such as Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting.

Root combined in two significant century partnerships — a 144-run alliance with Ollie Pope for the third wicket and a 142-run stand alongside captain Ben Stokes for the fifth — propelling England to 544-7 at the close of play, giving them a 186-run advantage over India.

The hosts, resuming at 225-2, exerted control throughout the morning session in favorable weather.

Root and Pope built on their overnight partnership, converting it into a century stand as England amassed 107 runs in the unbroken first session, reaching 332-2 by lunch — trailing India’s first-innings total by just 26 runs.

India’s bowlers, including Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja, were unable to make a breakthrough despite various attempts. The session was further complicated for the visitors by missed chances, such as a dropped run-out opportunity and a wasted review.

Root continued to accumulate records, becoming the first batter to reach 1000 Test runs at Old Trafford, moving past Dravid and Kallis in overall Test runs, and recording his 104th Test score of 50 or more, overtaking Ponting for second place in that statistic.

Pope displayed fluid batting, effectively rotating the strike and capitalizing on loose deliveries.

After lunch, Washington Sundar provided a brief opening for India by dismissing Pope (caught at slip for 87) and Harry Brook (stumped for 3) in quick succession.

Nevertheless, Root stood firm, achieving his century with a flick off Anshul Kamboj. By the tea interval, England’s score was 432-4, leading by 74 runs, with Root remaining unbeaten on 120 and in firm command.

India’s difficulties were intensified by injuries as Bumrah left the field after bowling just one over with the new ball, while Siraj also limped off during a short spell.

Reports indicated that Bumrah stumbled on the dressing room steps and seemed to be nursing an ankle problem.

Stokes also struggled with physical discomfort, favoring his left leg while at the crease. Despite this, he persisted to score his first half-century of the series, adding to his five-wicket performance in the first innings.

He launched a counter-attack, striking multiple boundaries against Jadeja and Washington, but was ultimately forced to retire hurt due to cramps.

Root achieved his 16th Test score of 150 or more before Jadeja eventually had him stumped — only the second instance of this in Root’s Test career.

England surpassed the 500-run threshold as Jamie Smith and Liam Dawson increased the lead beyond 150. Bumrah returned to dismiss Smith for his first wicket, while Siraj claimed the wicket of Chris Woakes for his first of the innings.

Stokes returned later in the day, showing clear signs of discomfort, but managed to navigate the final overs alongside Dawson. At stumps, England maintained a strong position at 544-7, aiming for a series-leveling victory with a significant 186-run lead.