New Delhi: England batter Joe Root continued his brilliant form to become the second-highest run-getter in Test cricket, surpassing Ricky Ponting. He notched up his 38th century during the fourth Test match against India at Old Trafford in Manchester on Friday, July 25.

Root now has 13379 runs in 157* matches, while the former Australian skipper amassed 13378 runs in 168 Test matches. He is now only behind Sachin Tendulkar in the list, who has scored 15921 runs in 200 Test matches. Root also equalled Sri Lanka’s legendary batter Kumar Sangakkara’s record and is now the joint fourth in the list of most centuries in Test cricket.

This was also his 12th century against India, the most by any batter against the side. During his innings, the 34-year-old also went past Jacques Kallis and Rahul Dravid to become the second-highest run-scorer in the red-ball format.

Root now has 9 Test centuries against India at home, which is the most by a batter against an opponent in home Test matches, surpassing Don Bradman’s eight against England.

(more to follow)