Joe Root has become the second-highest run scorer in the history of Test cricket on a day in which he also equalled Kumar Sangakkara as fourth on the list of players with most centuries in the history of the format. It was a day of records for the former England captain, as he piled on the misery on the Indian bowlers almost effortlessly and took his team into the lead.
Root stood unbeaten at 121 off 201 balls at Tea on Day 3, with Ponting himself interestingly on commentary duties when the milestone was breached. Over the course of the innings, the 34-year-old went first went past Rahul Dravid (13,288) and then Jacquest Kallis (13,289) on the list of highest ever Test run scorers. Root then went past Ponting after raising his century.
Root’s career tally stood at 13,380 run when he back into the hut for Tea. He has got there in 157 Tests at an average of 51.26. Ponting finished his career on 13,378 runs in 168 Tests at an average of 51.85 with 41 centuries and 62 half-centuries. It will take Root some time to go top of that list as that position is famously occupied by Sachin Tendulkar. The India great had scored 15,921 runs in 200 Test matches at an average of 53.78. He had scored 51 Test centuries, the most by anyone in history, and 68 half-centuries.
Ollie Pope played his part in an impressive first session, but the England number three fell for 71 in the third over after lunch. Washington Sundar quickly had Harry Brook stumped to give India hope of dragging themselves back into the contest. Root’s morning was not without concern, as he survived one leg before wicket appeal before almost being run out when on 22, but he otherwise remained his customary composed self to steady the ship and keep England in the driving seat. Stokes also capitalised on some wayward India bowling to provide ample support to Root and will return for the evening session unbeaten on 36, keeping England on course for victory in the test that would seal a series win with one match to spare
