[WATCH] Former Australia star highlights Joe Root's specialty during ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

Joe Root is special. In this modern era, where most of the batters would try to end their Test career early and make trips around the world for various T20 leagues, it’s rare to see a player stretching his red-ball career and putting a high price on his wicket every time he walks up to bat. And he enjoyed another portion of reward during the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford in Manchester.

The former Australia star, Ricky Ponting, has shared a few insights on what makes the Yorkshire batter special in the format. The veteran reckoned that just like all the classical batters, Root puts a price on his wicket and goes through his normal business of nailing the drives and punches in front and square of the wicket.

See Also: [WATCH] Joe Root makes new record during ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

‘The first thing that comes to my mind is that he is the classical Test match batter. He is calm, doesn’t make many mistakes, and he hits the ball where it’s supposed to go. That’s what we talk about, a classical batter. Everything he does, from standing upright more of the modern way to his backfoot punch, cover drives, shots in the square.’ Ricky Ponting expressed during a recent interaction on Sky Sports Cricket.

Watch: Ricky Ponting lauds Joe Root’s specialty during ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

On July 25, Root, with two singles in three deliveries, became the third leading run-getter of the format as he surpassed the former South Africa all-rounder, Jacques Kallis (13289), and the former India captain, Rahul Dravid (13288). Root is inches away from Ponting, who painted the England batter’s style of batting.

What makes Joe Root so special? ✨ pic.twitter.com/dOhLnljkQJ

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

‘Just like the great players, he finds a way through experience to not make mistakes. He put a high price on his wickets, just like how all the great players do. But to sit back and watch him bat, maybe for the last five to six years, has worked out his Test match batting.’

Thanks to the mammoth score, England had been rushing to a good score in the first innings. They had already taken a lead and would hope to take it over 120-150 runs to rule the visitors out of the contest and earn the series victory.