Introduction to Joe Root’s Milestone Moment
Joe Root’s historic century against India in Manchester has solidified his place among cricket’s all-time greats, as he surged to the second spot on the list of Test cricket’s highest run-scorers. On the third day of the fourth Test match at Emirates Old Trafford, Root’s masterful 121 not out propelled him past legends Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting, leaving him trailing only Sachin Tendulkar’s monumental tally of 15,921 runs. This milestone-laden performance not only showcased Root’s exceptional batting prowess but also strengthened England’s commanding position in the Test series against India. For fans searching for insights into Joe Root’s Test cricket records and his journey to this historic achievement, this moment is a testament to his consistency, hunger, and enduring legacy in the sport.
A Record-Breaking Day in Manchester
The third day of the fourth Test in Manchester was a spectacle for cricket enthusiasts, with Joe Root at the heart of the action. Resuming his innings on 11, Root methodically climbed the all-time run-scoring ladder. He overtook Rahul Dravid’s 13,288 runs with a deft dab to deep third, reaching 30. A single through cover off the next ball saw him surpass Jacques Kallis’s 13,289 runs. Later, Root eclipsed Ricky Ponting’s 13,378 runs with a steered single to deep point, reaching 120. The Old Trafford crowd, renowned for its cricketing knowledge, erupted in a standing ovation, joined by India’s captain Shubman Gill in applauding Root’s feat. Even Ponting, commentating for Sky Sports, hailed Root’s hunger for runs, noting, “Congratulations, Joe Root. Magnificent. Second on the table, 120 not out.”
Root’s Consistency and Hunger for Runs
Root’s ascent to the second spot in Test cricket’s run-scoring charts is no fluke. As Ponting observed, Root’s consistency over his 157 Test matches is remarkable. “You don’t really remember a long period of time where he’s had a lean run,” Ponting said, praising Root’s ability to convert starts into substantial scores. This century, Root’s 38th in Test cricket, matched Kumar Sangakkara’s tally and further cemented his reputation as one of the game’s greats. His 104th fifty-plus score also surpassed Ponting and Kallis, placing him second only to Tendulkar’s 119. Root’s ability to turn fifties into hundreds—and often big hundreds—underscores his status as a modern-day batting maestro.
A Historic Milestone at Old Trafford
Joe Root’s century wasn’t just about personal milestones; it also marked a historic achievement at Old Trafford. He became the first batter to score over 1,000 Test runs at the iconic venue, a feat that highlights his dominance on home soil. The Manchester Test saw Root in sublime form, navigating India’s bowling attack with ease under clear skies and on a batter-friendly surface. His partnerships with Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes were pivotal in England’s march to 432/4 by Tea on Day 3, establishing a 74-run lead over India’s first-innings total of 358. Root’s knock was a blend of elegance and resilience, as he found boundaries with precision while anchoring England’s innings.
England’s Dominance in the Fourth Test
Root’s century was the cornerstone of England’s commanding position in the fourth Test. With the series standing at 2-1 in England’s favor, a win in Manchester would seal the five-match series with a game to spare. The morning session saw Root and Ollie Pope forge an unbroken 135-run stand, taking England to 332/2 at Lunch, just 26 runs shy of India’s total. Pope’s 71 complemented Root’s steady accumulation, as the duo capitalized on a frustrated Indian bowling unit. Despite India’s attempts to mix things up with bowlers like Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah, England’s batters remained largely untroubled, adding 107 runs in 28 overs without losing a wicket.
India’s Fightback and Root’s Response
The post-Lunch session saw India briefly claw back with Washington Sundar claiming two quick wickets. Sundar dismissed Pope, who edged to KL Rahul at slip, and stumped Harry Brook for 3 with a beautifully drifting delivery. However, Root’s composure ensured England’s momentum didn’t waver. He put away a leg-side ball from Ravindra Jadeja for a boundary and later glanced Anshul Kamboj for four to reach his century. India’s challenges were compounded by Bumrah’s brief absence from the field and Siraj’s temporary exit due to injury concerns, limiting their bowling options. Root, unfazed, continued to pile on the runs, steering England to a substantial lead.
Key Moments and Tactical Insights
India’s bowling strategy faced scrutiny as they delayed the second new ball until the 91st over, by which time England had already taken a 20-run lead. Bumrah’s single over with the new ball before leaving the field further hampered India’s efforts. Siraj’s expensive spells and a missed run-out chance by Jadeja summed up a frustrating day for the visitors. Root and Pope, meanwhile, rotated the strike effectively and found boundaries at will, running India ragged. Root’s ability to adapt to different bowling plans, from Bumrah’s probing lines to Kamboj’s debutant efforts, showcased his technical brilliance and game awareness.
Root’s Legacy in Context
Joe Root’s climb to second on the all-time Test run-scorers list places him in elite company. With 13,416 runs (and counting) in 157 Tests, he trails only Sachin Tendulkar’s 15,921. Ponting’s commentary highlighted the possibility of Root chasing down Tendulkar’s record, noting that his form over the last four to five years suggests “there’s absolutely no reason why not.” Root’s second century in as many Tests and his consistent run-scoring form make him a serious contender to challenge Tendulkar’s mark in the coming years. His 38 Test centuries and 104 fifty-plus scores are a testament to his longevity and class.
The Road Ahead for Root and England
As England aim to wrap up the series in Manchester, Root’s form will be crucial. His partnerships with Pope and Stokes have put England in pole position, but India’s bowlers, led by Bumrah and Sundar, will look to stage a comeback on Day 4. Root’s ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when needed makes him the linchpin of England’s batting lineup. With a 75-run lead at 433/4, England are well-placed to push for a decisive victory. For Root, the focus remains on contributing to the team’s success while continuing to etch his name in cricket’s history books.
Why Joe Root’s Achievement Matters
Joe Root’s historic century and his rise to second on the Test run-scorers list is more than just a personal milestone—it’s a moment that inspires cricket fans worldwide. His journey from overtaking Alastair Cook as England’s highest run-scorer in October to surpassing Dravid, Kallis, and Ponting in a single innings reflects his relentless pursuit of excellence. For aspiring cricketers and fans searching for “Joe Root Test cricket records” or “highest Test run-scorers,” Root’s story is one of dedication, skill, and an unwavering love for the game. As he continues to chase Tendulkar’s record, Root’s legacy as one of cricket’s greatest batters is already secure.
Joe Root’s Record-Breaking Century in Manchester – Key Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| New All-Time Test Ranking | Second Highest Run-Scorer in Test History (Overtook Dravid, Kallis, Ponting) |
| England Record Broken | Became England’s Highest Test Run-Scorer in October 2024 (Surpassed Alastair Cook) |
| Total Test Runs | 13,443+ Runs (As of Day 3, Manchester Test) |
| Test Centuries | 38 Test Centuries – Equaled Kumar Sangakkara |
| 50+ Scores in Tests | 104 Fifty-Plus Scores – Second Only to Tendulkar (119) |
| Old Trafford Feat | First Batter to Score Over 1,000 Test Runs at Old Trafford |
| Recent Form | Back-to-Back Test Centuries in the Ongoing Series Against India |
| Matches Played | 157 Tests |
| Historic Milestones Achieved | Surpassed Rahul Dravid (13,288), Jacques Kallis (13,289), and Ricky Ponting (13,378) |
| Tributes From Legends | Ricky Ponting: “Magnificent. Just one more to go now – Tendulkar.” |
| England’s Match Position | 433/4 at Tea, Lead by 75 Runs; Series Lead: 2-1 |
| Key Partnerships | Root–Pope (135 runs), Root–Stokes (ongoing) |
| Top Indian Bowler | Washington Sundar – 2 Wickets (Pope and Brook) |
| India’s Injury Concerns | Jasprit Bumrah briefly off-field, Mohammed Siraj hobbling – hampered bowling attack |
Why This Innings Matters:
- Joe Root is now second only to Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 15,921 Test runs — and closing the gap.
- His 38th Test hundred puts him in the elite company of Sangakkara and within reach of Test cricket’s greatest records.
- With England taking a significant lead in Manchester, this could be a series-clinching performance.
- Root’s consistency, longevity, and impact over 157 Tests highlight why he is one of the all-time greats in the longest format.
Conclusion: A Champion’s Journey Continues
Joe Root’s century in Manchester is a defining chapter in his illustrious career. By climbing to second on the all-time Test run-scorers list, he has cemented his status as a modern legend. His 38th Test ton, 104th fifty-plus score, and historic 1,000 runs at Old Trafford highlight his extraordinary talent and consistency. As England push for victory in the fourth Test, Root’s performance serves as a reminder of his pivotal role in the team’s success. For fans and analysts alike, Joe Root’s historic century is a celebration of cricketing greatness, with the promise of more records to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Joe Root’s Historic Manchester Century & Test Record
Q1. How many Test runs has Joe Root scored as of the Manchester Test 2025?
Answer:
Joe Root has scored 13,443+ Test runs, making him the second-highest run-scorer in Test history. He surpassed Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting during his century against India at Old Trafford.
Q2. Who is the only batter ahead of Joe Root in Test cricket’s all-time run list?
Answer:
Sachin Tendulkar remains at the top with 15,921 Test runs. Root is now second and approximately 2,500 runs behind the Indian legend.
Q3. When did Joe Root become England’s highest run-scorer in Tests?
Answer:
Root overtook Alastair Cook to become England’s highest-ever Test run-scorer in October 2024, a landmark moment in English cricket.
Q4. Which legendary batters did Joe Root surpass during the 2025 Manchester Test?
Answer:
Root surpassed the following legends during his innings at Old Trafford:
- Rahul Dravid (13,288 runs)
- Jacques Kallis (13,289 runs)
- Ricky Ponting (13,378 runs)
He moved from fifth to second on the all-time list.
Q5. How many centuries has Joe Root scored in Test cricket?
Answer:
As of the Manchester Test 2025, Joe Root has scored 38 Test centuries, which equals Kumar Sangakkara’s tally. He’s among the top in the world for most Test tons.
Q6. How many 50-plus scores has Joe Root achieved in Tests?
Answer:
Root has 104 fifty-plus scores, which puts him second only to Sachin Tendulkar (119). He overtook both Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting in this metric as well.
Q7. Is Joe Root the highest run-scorer at Old Trafford in Tests?
Answer:
Yes. Root became the first player to score more than 1,000 Test runs at Old Trafford, making the Manchester ground his personal fortress.
Q8. What was the match situation when Joe Root scored this record-breaking century?
Answer:
England were at 433/4 at Tea on Day 3, leading by 75 runs in the fourth Test against India. Root was 121 not out*, helping put England in a commanding position to seal the five-match series.
Q9. What did Ricky Ponting say about Joe Root’s achievement?
Answer:
Ricky Ponting, who was overtaken by Root during the match, said:
“Congratulations, Joe Root. Magnificent. Second on the table… just one more to go now. The way his career has gone over the last four or five years, there’s absolutely no reason why not.”
He praised Root’s consistency, hunger, and ability to convert starts into big hundreds.
Q10. Who supported Joe Root during his innings in Manchester?
Answer:
Root built strong partnerships with:
- Ollie Pope (71) – 135-run stand
- Ben Stokes – ongoing partnership at Tea
Earlier in the innings, Zak Crawley (84) and Ben Duckett (94) also laid the foundation for England’s dominance.
Q11. Which Indian bowlers managed breakthroughs on Day 3?
Answer:
Washington Sundar was the standout bowler, taking the key wickets of Ollie Pope and Harry Brook. However, India struggled overall due to injury setbacks to Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
Q12. What is the current series score between India and England?
Answer:
England lead the five-match Test series 2-1, and a win in the Manchester Test will help them seal the series with one Test to spare.