Ponting Predicts Root Could Surpass Tendulkar’s Test Record

MANCHESTER: According to former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, Joe Root of England is well-positioned to exceed his own career Test run total. Ponting made these comments during the third day of the ongoing fourth Test match against India at Old Trafford.

Following the third day’s play, Ponting spoke to media outlets, applauding Root’s career and emphasizing his evolution into a highly dependable Test batsman.

He stated, “If his current performance persists, it could very well transpire today. It’s an ideal day for batting, and Joe has had an outstanding career. He has transformed himself from someone who had difficulty converting fifties into centuries to someone who now consistently scores big. Looking at the statistics, 37 Test centuries and over 13,000 runs demonstrate what an amazing career he has had so far.”

Ponting also mentioned that Root appears to have plenty of cricket left in him and might even challenge Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record of 15,921 Test runs if he can keep up his form and stay healthy.

Ponting added, “There’s still quite a way to go. How old is he, 35? He doesn’t seem to be losing any of his enthusiasm for the game. His desire to score runs has probably grown over time. Can he overtake Sachin? We’ll see. He might as well try.”

Notably, England’s star batsman Joe Root made cricket history with a remarkable unbeaten century on the third day of the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, breaking numerous long-standing records.

During England’s response to India’s first-innings score of 358, Root reached 120 not out, passing Ricky Ponting of Australia to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history.

The right-handed batsman currently has 13,379 Test runs, second only to India’s legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the record with 15,921 runs.

The 34-year-old entered the game in the 39th over, with England in a good position at 197/2 thanks to a strong start by the openers.

He then held the innings together through the end of day two and continued his excellent performance on day three, putting England in a dominant position.

During his innings, Root passed several cricket legends. He surpassed Rahul Dravid (13,288) and Jacques Kallis (13,289) in quick succession during the 57th and 58th overs, before passing Ponting in the 101st over.

The century was Root’s second of the series and the 38th of his Test career, tying him with Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka for the most Test hundreds.

Only Ponting (41), Kallis (45), and Tendulkar (51) are now ahead of him in that prestigious list.

Root also surpassed 1,000 Test runs at Old Trafford, adding another accomplishment to his already impressive resume, solidifying his legacy at the famous stadium and giving England a firm grip on the Test match.