Joe Root’s illustrious Test career reached another towering milestone on Day 3 of the fourth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at Old Trafford, Manchester.
The 34-year-old England great scored a majestic 150, registering his 38th Test century and surpassing legends Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket with 13,409 runs. Now, only the iconic Sachin Tendulkar (15,921) stands ahead of him.
Ollie Pope On Root’s Drive And Legacy
England No. 3 batter Ollie Pope lauded Root’s passion for the game and backed him to challenge Tendulkar’s all-time record.
"I wouldn't be surprised if he can chase him down," Pope said after the third day’s play. "He loves playing for England in Test cricket more than anything… I think he just wants to keep playing as long as he can. The excitement he still has to play Test cricket [is huge]. Whenever we rock up at the start of a series, he's always got the biggest smile on his face."
Pope highlighted Root’s unwavering hunger, his commitment to England cricket, and his influence on younger players in the dressing room. Root’s consistency and fitness, according to Pope, set him apart from the rest.
Stuart Broad On Root’s Brilliance
Former England pacer Stuart Broad also praised Root’s performance and his record-breaking feat:
"He [Root] played beautifully today to go past Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting [and become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket], bringing up another hundred that he will hope wins the game. I was out for dinner with him last night and he was incredibly relaxed, enjoying his cricket, and there are certainly no signs of him stopping. He has a huge hunger for scoring runs," Broad told Sky Sports.
Root’s March Towards Tendulkar’s Record
Root is just 2,500 runs away from surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time Test tally. Considering his exceptional run-scoring form, this record is within reach. Root has scored 2,556 runs in his last 50 innings since February 2023. With England playing an average of 12-14 Tests per year, Root could surpass Tendulkar by the end of 2027.
While Tendulkar’s record of 51 Test centuries may seem distant, Root’s 38 tons, including 21 centuries in the last four years, underline his remarkable longevity.
Ponting, who was overtaken during this innings, summed up the significance of Root’s achievement with a light-hearted remark: "Just the one more to go now," said Ponting as Root jogged past his record.
Joe Root’s Test Journey
Joe Root made his Test debut against India in Nagpur in December 2012. Since then, he has become the cornerstone of England’s batting lineup, renowned for walking into high-pressure situations and delivering match-defining innings.
Root has missed only two of England’s 159 Tests since his debut – once when dropped early in his career and once for paternity leave. Despite occasional back issues, he has never missed a match through injury, a testament to his fitness and determination.
At Old Trafford, Root also became the first England batter to reach 1,000 Test runs at the venue, achieving the mark when he crossed 22 runs during England’s first innings.
England’s Dominance On Day 3
England ended Day 3 in complete control, scoring 544/7 and taking a commanding 186-run lead. Root’s partnership with Ollie Pope (71) added 144 runs, while skipper Ben Stokes, who returned after hobbling off due to cramps, was unbeaten on 77 at stumps alongside Liam Dawson (21*).
India’s bowling lacked bite, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj both facing fitness concerns during the day. Washington Sundar’s post-lunch spell provided two quick wickets, but England remained firmly on top.
England’s WTC 2025-27 Cycle Fixtures
Root’s quest for records will continue during England’s packed World Test Championship (WTC) cycle:
Home Series:
India: Five Tests (June-July 2025)
New Zealand: Three Tests (June 2026)
Pakistan: Three Tests (August-September 2026)
Away Series:
Australia: Five Tests (Nov 2025 – Jan 2026, Ashes)
South Africa: Three Tests (Dec 2026 – Jan 2027)
Bangladesh: Two Tests (Feb 2027)
With 21 Tests scheduled in this cycle, Root has ample opportunities to inch closer to Tendulkar’s legendary tally.
The Final Summit – Tendulkar
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has an added significance this summer. Tendulkar’s name, etched in cricketing immortality, is now the next big summit for Root to climb. What once seemed an untouchable milestone now feels within reach.
Root’s journey, from a promising debutant in Nagpur to England’s batting mainstay, has been nothing short of inspirational. And as Ollie Pope aptly put it, Root’s love for Test cricket remains as strong as ever.
