Record-Breaker Joe Root Puts England in Command Against India

Record-Breaker Joe Root Puts England in Command Against India

Joe Root’s 38th Test century not only propelled England into a dominant position in the fourth Test against India but also etched his name even deeper into cricketing history. At tea on day three, England stood at 433 for 4, leading India by 75 runs, with Root unbeaten on 121 and captain Ben Stokes on 36.

Root's masterclass at the crease saw him leapfrog two legendary names—Rahul Dravid (13,288) and Jacques Kallis (13,289)—to move into the second spot on the all-time Test run-scorers list, behind only Sachin Tendulkar. He soon overtook Ricky Ponting (13,378), who was in the commentary box for Sky Sports when Root edged past his total with a single to third man.

Root's hundred, brought up with a delicate glance off his 178th ball, marked his 38th in Tests, drawing him level with Kumar Sangakkara and placing him joint fourth in the all-time centuries list. Significantly, it was also his 12th Test century against India, surpassing Steve Smith for the most hundreds by any player against the Indian side.

The day had started with promise for India as Washington Sundar picked up two quick wickets after lunch. He first dismissed Ollie Pope (who had added 144 with Root) by inducing an edge to slip, then deceived Harry Brook in flight, leading to a sharp stumping.

However, those breakthroughs offered only momentary relief. Root and Stokes, both composed and calculating, rebuilt steadily. Their unbroken 84-run stand has tilted the match firmly in England’s favour.

India's struggles in the field were notable—missed chances and visibly low energy levels plagued their afternoon. A missed run-out opportunity when Root was on 22 proved costly, and a fortuitous deflection off Root’s thigh guard while he was on 98 narrowly missed his leg stump.

To compound India’s woes, Jasprit Bumrah managed just one over with the second new ball before walking off with an undisclosed injury, while Mohammed Siraj, who toiled tirelessly, also left the field limping after his 99th over. With a depleted pace attack, stand-in captain Shubman Gill faces a major challenge going into the evening session.

As the Test heads into its decisive stages, England—powered by Root’s milestone-rich innings—hold the upper hand, poised to extend their lead and dictate terms on a weary Indian side.

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