Former England captain Joe Root is within reach of equalling a remarkable Test record held by two of the game's greatest all-time players—Ricky Ponting and Jacques Kallis. As England prepares for the second Test in the current five-match series against India, everyone will be watching Root, who is just one fifty-plus score behind the elite pair. There is no doubt that Joe Root's reliability with the bat has marked him out among the modern greats, and should he earn another fifty as his 103rd Test fifty-plus score, it would reaffirm his stature as a long-term high-class performer in the longest form of the game.

At present, Root has had 102 scores of fifty or more in Test cricket, while both Ponting and Kallis retired with 103 to their names, while only Sachin Tendulkar (119 fifty-plus scores) out-ranks them both. The ability to perform under pressure and his solid technique saw Root racking up 13,087 Test runs at an average of 50.92, placing him among England's best/fingers (reliabilities and proven performers) during several generations of players.

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In the first Test of the series at Headingley, Root helped with scores of 28 and an unbeaten 53*, as England chased 371. Reassured by this form, the 34-year-old will be looking to make history in the second Test at Edgbaston. A big innings could see him equal or even overtake the tallies of Ponting and Kallis, solidifying his modern legend status. The milestone awaits, and the stage is perfectly set for Root to rise once again.

England lead Test series 1-0

England took a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series with a convincing five-wicket victory at Headingley. Despite trailing by a small margin after the first innings, the hosts maintained control and chased down a daunting 371-run target with confidence. Ben Duckett starred with the bat, scoring 62 and a match-winning 149, earning him the Player of the Match award. Key contributions also came from Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, skipper Ben Stokes, and pacer Josh Tongue, showcasing the team's all-round strength.

Looking ahead to the second Test at Edgbaston, the Stokes-led England side will aim to extend their lead. The management has backed the same playing XI that featured in the series opener, reflecting their trust in the current squad. Meanwhile, India, under the leadership of Shubman Gill, will need to address key areas and deliver a more polished performance. The visitors will be keen to bounce back strongly and level the series, but they’ll have to bring their A-game to challenge a confident and in-form English team.