Root’s Monumental 150, Stokes and Pope’s Fifties Put England in Command in Manchester Test

On a sun-drenched day at Old Trafford, Joe Root etched his name deeper into the annals of Test cricket with a majestic 150, as England closed day three of the fourth Test against India on a dominant 544 for 7 — leading by 186 runs. With a deteriorating surface and injuries mounting in the Indian camp, England’s grip on both the Test and the series tightened significantly.

Root’s 38th Test century — a masterclass in timing, temperament, and tradition — not only anchored England’s innings but also propelled him to second on the all-time Test run-scoring list, surpassing Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting in the process. Only Sachin Tendulkar remains ahead.

The former England captain’s knock was built with trademark poise and patience, and when he eventually fell stumped for 150 to Ravindra Jadeja, he had already rewritten several records. It was his 12th century against India, the most by any batter, his 16th score of 150 or more, and he became the first player to reach 1,000 Test runs at Old Trafford.

Partnership Power and Milestones

Root was well-supported by Ollie Pope, who scored a fluent 71, and Ben Stokes, whose gritty unbeaten 77 was achieved despite a cramp scare that briefly forced him to retire hurt.

Pope and Root stitched together a 144-run stand, their sixth century partnership — more than any other pairing under Stokes' leadership. Their smooth running and clever manipulation of the field nullified India’s attack through the morning session.

Pope brought up his 25th 50+ score in Tests before edging to first slip shortly after lunch, giving Washington Sundar a breakthrough. The offspinner followed up four overs later by dismissing Harry Brook for 3, out stumped after misjudging a delivery that drifted in. It was Brook’s first such dismissal in Tests.

Sundar’s introduction in the 69th over, long after England had already taken control, was viewed as a tactical delay by Indian captain Shubman Gill. Sundar’s double strike briefly lifted India's energy in the field, but it came too late to tilt the momentum.

Stokes Battles Through Cramp

Having already taken five wickets in India’s first innings, Stokes walked out to join Root with England just nine runs behind. His innings was cautious but significant — three boundaries across 97 balls — marking his first Test fifty since November 2024.

Stokes experienced cramp in his left leg during the 108th over and retired hurt soon after, but returned later to a rapturous Old Trafford ovation, joining Liam Dawson, who was playing his first Test since 2017. Together, they saw off the day’s final overs, despite probing spells from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

Injury Concerns Mount for India

India’s bowlers endured a frustrating day — not just from England’s run deluge, but also due to injuries. Bumrah bowled only one over with the second new ball before leaving the field, later revealed to have rolled his ankle. Siraj, too, limped off before tea with a foot issue, though he returned to bowl late in the day and took the final wicket of the five India managed.

According to bowling coach Morne Morkel, Siraj twisted his foot in a foothole, while Bumrah’s injury occurred while walking down the stairs.

With England’s lead nearing 200 and rain unlikely to offer meaningful respite, India face the real prospect of an innings defeat — a result that would give England an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series.

This was the day England, led by their modern-day batting colossus, took the series beyond India's control. As Root walked off, having surpassed legends and carried England to dominance, even India's brightest moments were dwarfed by the magnitude of his achievement.

Day 3 Summary:
England 544 for 7 (Root 150, Stokes 77*, Pope 71, Sundar 2-57, Jadeja 2-117)
Lead India (358 all out) by 186 runs
Series: England lead 3-1 (projected if result holds)