(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Joe Root Edges Closer to Test Cricket Immortality with Masterful 150
Joe Root delivered a sublime 150 in England’s fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, passing legends like Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, and Rahul Dravid to become the second highest run-scorer in Test cricket history—just behind Sachin Tendulkar ([turn0news24][turn0search5][turn0news19]).
📈 Record Milestones with One Innings
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Root’s 13,409 Test runs position him just behind Tendulkar’s 15,921, overtaking Ponting’s 13,378 in the process ([turn0news19][turn0search9][turn0search6]).
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His 38th Test century now ties him with Kumar Sangakkara, with only Tendulkar (51), Kallis (45), and Ponting (41) staying ahead on the century list ([turn0news19][turn0news23]).
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He also surpassed Ponting and Kallis in the number of 50+ scores (104)—second only to Tendulkar’s 119 ([turn0search5][turn0search52]).
🏏 Dominance Against India & at Home
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This was Root’s 12th Test century against India, the most by any batsman versus a single opponent—surpassing Steven Smith’s 11. Only Bradman (19 vs England) and Gavaskar (13 vs West Indies) have more centuries against one opponent ([turn0news24][turn0search54][turn0search52]).
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Nine of these 12 centuries came in England—another record for most tons by a player against a single opponent at home, topping Bradman’s record of eight in Australia ([turn0search13][turn0search5]).
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Additionally, the innings marked his 23rd century in England, tying the record for most Test hundreds in a single country alongside Ponting, Kallis, and Jayawardene ([turn0search13][turn0search54]).
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He also crossed 1,000 Test runs at Old Trafford, making him the first player to achieve that feat at the iconic venue ([turn0news26][turn0search13]).
🎯 Why This Innings Matters
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Root now sits just one legend behind Tendulkar in the all-time runs list—and with his current form, surpassing the Indian great looks increasingly plausible in the next few years ([turn0news3][turn0news28]).
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His performance showed poise, stamina, and unmatched maturity—especially important as England look to seal the series at home ([turn0news27][turn0search11]).
📝 Summary Table
| Milestone | Joe Root Achievement |
|---|---|
| Test Runs | 13,409 – now 2nd highest in Test history |
| Test Centuries | 38 – tied 4th all-time |
| 50+ Scores | 104 total – 2nd behind Tendulkar |
| Centuries vs India | 12 – highest against any opponent |
| Centuries in England | 23 – shares country record with Ponting, Kallis, Jayawardene |
| Runs at Old Trafford | 1,000+ – first player to achieve this milestone |
🏁 Final Takeaway
Joe Root’s masterclass at Old Trafford wasn’t just another century—it was a defining moment in his career, catapulting him into elite historic company. At 34 and in peak form, he’s on a collision course with records long considered untouchable. With a few more prolific innings, England’s most elegant batter may soon top them all.
Curious to compare his stats with other legends or chart his path to Tendulkar’s record? Just let me know!
