The third day of the fourth Test match between England and India at Old Trafford in Manchester belonged to Joe Root, who registered several records during his 150-run knock in the first innings. The morning started with the former captain going past the all-time red-ball runs of Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis. 

Later, with another century, Root equaled Kumar Sangakkara for the joint fourth-most Test centuries (38) in the five-day format. He also went past Steve Smith to celebrate his 12th and the most Test centuries against India. In the evening, he became the second-leading run-getter, overtaking Ricky Ponting, the former Australia captain, who reflected on Root’s career.

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‘He has scored through his career about 85 runs per game, and you have another 20 and 30 games, and if he can go in those terms, then that record of Tendulkar isn’t that far out of reach. So, no signs of slowing down. Elegant, stylish, hungry, every term that you want to use. He has made it clear that he is not a big fan of stats, and you don’t know when you are playing.’ Ponting acknowledged at the end of the day on Sky Sports.

Watch: Ricky Ponting reflects on Joe Root becoming second-leading run-getter in Tests

Ponting addressed how the veteran won’t get much time to look at these records until he finishes and is proud of the achievements. He also pointed out how the Yorkshire batter would think of winning the series against India, rather than looking at his milestone.  

🗣️ "Elegant, stylish, hungry, every term that you want to use!"

Ricky Ponting on Joe Root passing him to become the second-highest Test run-scorer of all time ✨ pic.twitter.com/rVCaQbAcNf

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 25, 2025

‘But when you finish, that’s what you have to sit back and be proud of what he has achieved. With the amount of games you play these days and moving from game to game, you don’t have much time to reflect and tour what you have done, and he will be able to look back at this record and be proud of what he has done.’ Ponting expressed.

Root finished with 150 runs with the help of 14 boundaries at a strike rate of 60.48 as England finished the day with 544/7 in 135 overs. They have already taken a lead of 186 runs and are likely to win the series by a 3-1 margin.