Manchester, July 25, 2025 – Joe Root’s brilliant and milestone-filled century today consolidated England’s dominance in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, setting up a tough challenge for India on the third day. Despite Washington Sundar taking a couple of wickets, Root’s consistent scoring and his brilliant partnership with Ollie Pope put an end to India’s hopes of a comeback.
The morning session went completely in England’s favour. Joe Root and Pope resumed their partnership and put on an unbroken 135-run stand to take the hosts to 332/2 by lunch, only 26 runs behind India’s first innings score. Batting on a helpful pitch under clear skies, both batsmen hit their half-centuries, helping England post a strong total of 107 runs without losing a single wicket in 28 overs.
India’s bowling attack continued to struggle. He tried out a number of options, opening the innings with Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Siraj and then opting for the reliable Jasprit Bumrah. Though Bumrah kept his deep hold and nicked Pope’s outside edge a couple of times, England’s batsmen didn’t have much trouble. Siraj, in particular, proved expensive. India’s frustration was evident when they lost a review on a hopeful LBW appeal against Root, and Ravindra Jadeja missed a crucial run-out opportunity – moments that compounded a frustrating session for the visitors as Root and Pope hit boundaries relentlessly.
Joe Root reaches to the 2nd spot on the all-time list of Test run-scorers
Root’s extraordinary innings wasn’t just about scoring runs; it was also a day of significant personal achievements. He became the first batsman to score 1,000 Test runs at Old Trafford and also scored his 104th half-century, moving past Ponting to second on the illustrious list. Earlier in the day, Root surpassed three legendary names – Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting – to reach the second spot on the all-time list of Test run-scorers with 120 runs.
The spinners entered the game after lunch in the second session, but the English batsmen continued to score runs. Joe Root hit a boundary off Jadeja’s leg-side delivery and his partnership with Pope reached 144 runs before Washington Sundar finally edged Pope’s delivery to KL Rahul at slip. Sundar then unleashed another brilliant drifter which resulted in Harry Brook being stumped out for 3, giving India a huge morale boost.
By this time, England had extended their lead to 20 runs. Jasprit Bumrah bowled only one over with the new ball before leaving the field, which was a big blow for India. England kept scoring boundaries and crossed the 400 mark when Joe Root brought up his hundred with a single off Kamboj. India’s troubles were compounded by the absence of Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj walking off the field wobbly after bowling an over.
At tea, England were at an impressive 432/4 and Joe Root was continuing his impressive innings with a lead of 74 runs. India will need a valiant effort on the fourth day to stop England from building an unassailable lead and getting a decisive lead in the series.