Joe Root has rewritten the record books by becoming the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket. During his century at Old Trafford against India, Root went past legendary names like Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting — all in a single innings. With this performance, Root now trails only Sachin Tendulkar’s towering record of 15,921 Test runs.
Root Overtakes Dravid, Kallis, and Ponting in One Memorable Knock
Starting the third day at 11*, Root steadily climbed the rankings. His push to 30 saw him overtake Dravid. Just one ball later, Kallis was left behind with a single through cover. Moments later, a dab to deep point for a single off Anshul Kamboj helped Root surpass Ponting and reach 120. Applause rang across the stadium as the Manchester crowd rose to salute the Englishman.
Joe Root madness at Manchester! 🔥
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) July 25, 2025
A masterclass knock of *150 runs* 🏏 against India — calm, classy, Root-style.
📸 Getty #JoeRoot #ENGvsIND #TestCricket #WTCFinals #Root150 pic.twitter.com/3nLqCIV4Hy
Ricky Ponting Reacts to Joe Root’s Historic Feat
Ricky Ponting, present at the venue while commentating for Sky Sports, praised Root’s consistent brilliance. “Magnificent,” he said. “He’s now second in the table with 120 not out. There’s just one more left — Sachin Tendulkar — and the way Root has played in recent years, there’s no reason he can’t reach there.”
Ponting also highlighted Root’s consistency. “Across 157 Tests, there haven’t been long stretches where he’s struggled. Whenever he gets past 50, he seems to convert it into a big hundred — a mark of greatness.”
More Records Broken: Root Continues to Shine
This knock marked Joe Root’s 38th Test century, equalling Kumar Sangakkara. When he reached his fifty, Root also went ahead of Kallis and Ponting with 104 Test half-centuries — second only to Tendulkar’s 119. Additionally, he became the first batter to cross 1,000 Test runs at Old Trafford.
England Tighten Grip on the Series
Root’s heroics helped England move towards a dominant first-innings lead in the fourth Test. With a 2-1 series advantage, England stand on the brink of sealing the five-match series.
