The former England captain’s majestic Joe Root century, his 38th in Tests, propelled the hosts to a commanding position on Day 3 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. England finished their innings at 544/7, building a massive 186-run advantage, which meant India had a huge task ahead if they wanted to avoid defeat in the match.
India faced a tough day, as their bowlers worked hard but got no wickets, the fielders seemed tired, and Root’s runs increased the distance between them and victory. His innings wasn’t about runs; it was a legacy-defining knock that rewrote history books and reinforced his place among cricket’s all-time greats.
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Morning Session: England Builds on Strong Foundation
England began Day 3 at 225/2, trailing India’s first-innings total of 358. The overnight pair of Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett had already set the tone with a 166-run opening stand on Day 2, and the morning session was about consolidation.
India’s pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, lacked the venom needed on a pitch that had flattened out. The ball rarely misbehaved, and England’s batsmen capitalized. Crawley, resuming on 89, looked set for a century but fell to Ravindra Jadeja for 93, a rare moment of joy for India.
Then came Joe Root.
Walking in at No. 4, Root exuded calm. His first boundary—a trademark late cut—was a sign of things to come. Alongside Ollie Pope, he steadied the innings, picking gaps with surgical precision. By lunch, England had erased the deficit, and Root was well on his way to another Joe Root century.
Midday Magic: Root’s Record-Breaking Masterclass
Post-lunch, Root shifted gears. His footwork was immaculate, his placement flawless. Every drive, every flick oozed class. When he reached his hundred off 190 balls, Old Trafford erupted—this was his ninth Test century against India at home, surpassing Don Bradman’s record of eight against England.
Records Tumbled as Root Rewrote History:
- Surpassed Bradman: Most home Test centuries against a single opponent (9 vs India).
- Overtook Ricky Ponting: Now second in all-time Test run-scorers (only behind Sachin Tendulkar).
- 23rd Test ton at home: Equals Ponting, Jacques Kallis, and Mahela Jayawardene.
- Back-to-back 150s vs India: A testament to his dominance.
Pope played the perfect supporting role with a composed 71, but the day belonged to Root. His 150 came off 248 balls, a mix of elegance and endurance. India’s spinners—Jadeja and Washington Sundar—finally broke the 144-run stand, but the damage was done.
Afternoon Onslaught: England’s Lead Swells
With Root in full flow, England’s scoring rate never dipped. Even as wickets fell at the other end, Root and Ben Stokes kept the pressure on. Stokes, battling cramps, gritted his way to an unbeaten 77, while Root eventually fell for 158—a knock that may have sealed the match.
India’s bowlers looked spent. Bumrah, usually lethal, went wicketless. Siraj hustled but found little movement. Only Jadeja and Sundar provided breakthroughs, but by then, England had surged past 500.
At stumps, England stood at 544/7—a lead of 186. The question now isn’t whether India can win, but whether they can survive.
Why Root’s Century Was a Masterclass in Test Batting
What makes Joe Root’s century special isn’t just the runs—it’s the context. Against a high-quality Indian attack, on a pitch offering variable bounce, Root’s technique stood tall.
- Footwork: His nimble movement neutralized both spin and pace.
- Temperament: Never rushed, never flustered—just relentless accumulation.
- Adaptability: Shifted gears seamlessly, accelerating when needed.
This wasn’t just a knock; it was a lesson in Test match batting.
India’s Uphill Battle: Can They Salvage a Draw?
India’s hopes now rest on their batsmen. The pitch, though still decent for batting, is showing signs of wear. Variable bounce and sharp turns could make the fourth innings treacherous.
What India Needs to Do:
- Survive the New Ball: England’s seamers will come hard early.
- Play Jadeja & Sundar Smartly: Their spin could be key in the second innings.
- Hope for Rain? Manchester weather is unpredictable—could a washout save them?
Realistically, India must bat out two full days to escape with a draw. Given their recent collapses, that’s a monumental task.
Final Verdict: Root’s Day, England’s Test to Lose
Day 3 was a Joe Root century exhibition—a blend of artistry, endurance, and sheer dominance. England is now in the driver’s seat, while India faces a battle for survival.
If Root’s innings was the highlight, Stokes’ grit and England’s relentless batting were the supporting acts. For India, only a miraculous rearguard effort can change the narrative now.
As the sun set on Old Trafford, one thing was clear: Joe Root had stamped his authority on this Test, and perhaps, on history itself.
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My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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