IND vs ENG 2025: Joe Root Overtakes Ricky Ponting, Now Second-Highest Run-Scorer in Test History

Joe Root added another historic chapter to his already glittering career during the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford. The former England captain has now become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history, going past Australia’s Ricky Ponting.

Root reached the milestone with a single that took him to 120 not out, overtaking Ponting’s tally of 13,378 runs. He achieved the feat in just 157 Tests and 286 innings, 11 Tests and one innings fewer than the Australian legend.

With his latest knock, Root’s overall tally in Test cricket now stands at 13,409 runs. He is now only behind India’s Sachin Tendulkar, who remains the all-time leader with 15,921 runs from 200 Tests.

Root also equalled Kumar Sangakkara’s record of 38 Test centuries, joining a select group of batters who have reached that mark.

Root was finally dismissed for 150 on Day 3, falling to Ravindra Jadeja. The left-arm spinner tossed one up outside off. Root leaned in for a drive, but the ball turned sharply past his bat. Off balance and out of his crease, he was stumped by Dhruv Jurel.

England ended Day 3 on a massive 544 for 7, with Ben Stokes unbeaten on 77. At that point, the hosts had built a lead of 186 runs and were well in control of the game.

Root had started the series slowly but bounced back with a century and a solid forty at Lord’s, and now this commanding innings at Old Trafford.

With a 2-1 series lead, England are looking to seal the series in Manchester. They are likely to declare early on Day 4 and push for an innings victory over India.