With England leading by 186 runs and still three wickets in hand, they will look to pile on more pressure on the visitors early on Day 4. For India, early wickets will be crucial to stay alive in the contest and set up a chance for a fourth-innings fightback.
Day 3 of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, saw the hosts firmly take control of proceedings, thanks to a dominant batting display led by Joe Root and valuable contributions from the top order. After winning the toss and electing to field first, England bundled out India for 358 in 114.1 overs and then responded with a commanding 544/7 at stumps on Day 3, leading by 186 runs.
India's first innings was built around solid half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan. Jaiswal scored a fluent 58, striking 10 boundaries and one six, while Sudharsan impressed with a composed 61 that included seven fours. Despite the promising starts, India struggled to convert those innings into big scores, as England’s bowlers kept striking at regular intervals. Ben Stokes turned back the clock with the ball, finishing with a five-wicket haul, while Jofra Archer supported well with three wickets. Liam Dawson and Chris Woakes chipped in with one wicket apiece.
In reply, England's top and middle order rose to the occasion. Joe Root played a masterclass, remaining the pillar of the innings with a superb 150, laced with 14 boundaries. He was well-supported by openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, both of whom chipped in with crucial contributions to build a strong platform. Ben Stokes, fresh off his exploits with the ball, added to India’s woes with a gritty 77* and continues to frustrate the visitors alongside Liam Dawson, who is unbeaten on 21.
For India, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar were the only bowlers who managed to make some impact, taking two wickets each. Despite their efforts, the rest of the Indian attack looked under pressure on a pitch that continues to offer true bounce and little for the bowlers.
With England leading by 186 runs and still three wickets in hand, they will look to pile on more pressure on the visitors early on Day 4. For India, early wickets will be crucial to stay alive in the contest and set up a chance for a fourth-innings fightback.
IND Vs ENG: Joe Root Becomes 2nd Highest Run-Scorer In Test Cricket History, Surpasses Ricky Ponting; Video
Joe Root added another monumental achievement to his illustrious career by becoming the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history, surpassing Australian great Ricky Ponting’s tally of 13,378 runs. The historic moment unfolded on Day 3 of the fourth Test between England and India at Old Trafford, Manchester.
Root, playing in his 157th Test match, continued his superb form with the bat and reached the milestone with a trademark stroke of precision and calmness. Coming into the match needing just a handful of runs to overtake Ponting, the former England captain quickly crossed the mark during a steady partnership that anchored England’s innings.
This achievement places Root behind only the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who sits atop the Test run-scoring chart with an astonishing 15,921 runs. Root's consistency, adaptability across conditions, and ability to perform under pressure have defined his Test career. Since his debut in 2012, the Yorkshireman has evolved into England’s batting mainstay, racking up centuries around the globe and earning plaudits for both his elegance and resilience.
As the Old Trafford crowd rose in applause and his teammates acknowledged the moment, Root remained typically composed, aware that the job was far from done. Yet the milestone serves as a testament to his endurance, skill, and elite status among cricket’s all-time greats.
Root’s climb to second on the all-time Test run list underscores his legacy as one of the finest batsmen of the modern era and a pillar of English cricket across generations.
