Joe Root’s Historic Century at Old Trafford

MANCHESTER: During the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, England’s celebrated batter Joe Root marked a significant milestone in cricket history by scoring an impressive century on Day 3, setting several new records.

Root achieved an unbeaten score of 120* during England’s innings in response to India’s 358, which allowed him to surpass Australia’s Ricky Ponting and secure the position of second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history.

The skilled right-handed batter’s Test runs now total 13,379, placing him behind India’s Sachin Tendulkar, who currently leads with 15,921 runs.

The 34-year-old entered the game in the 39th over, with England at a comfortable 197/2 due to a solid start by the opening batsmen.

He maintained his composure through Day 2 and continued his excellent performance on Day 3, helping England gain a dominant position.

Root surpassed several legendary cricketers during his innings. He overtook Rahul Dravid (13,288) and Jacques Kallis (13,289) in the 57th and 58th overs, and then passed Ponting in the 101st over.

Most Runs in Test Cricket:
  • Sachin Tendulkar: 15,921
  • Joe Root: 13,379*
  • Ricky Ponting: 13,378

This century was Root’s second in the series and the 38th of his Test career, putting him on par with Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara for Test hundreds.

Only Ponting (41), Kallis (45), and Tendulkar (51) now have more centuries than him.

Root also exceeded 1,000 Test runs at Old Trafford, further strengthening his legacy at this renowned venue and giving England a solid advantage in the Test match.