England vs India 4th Test Day 3: Match Report as Root’s Magnificent 150 Leads England’s Charge into Commanding Position

Joe Root showcased a masterclass in Test batting on Day 3 of the fourth Test in Manchester, anchoring England’s powerful response with his 38th century in red-ball cricket. The former skipper’s sublime 150 propelled England to a dominant 544/7 at stumps, giving the hosts a sizeable 186-run lead over India.

With century stands alongside Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes, Root not only helped steer England into the driver’s seat but also climbed multiple prestigious batting charts, rewriting history in the process.

Root Rises: History-Making Hundred Lights Up Old Trafford

Batting resumed under bright skies, and Root, alongside Pope, carried on from where they left off the previous evening. The pair added 107 runs in the morning session without losing a wicket, frustrating an increasingly desperate Indian bowling attack. Root reached his fifty and then quickly accelerated, passing Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting to move into second place on the all-time Test run-scoring list — a phenomenal achievement that underscored his longevity and brilliance.

He also became the first batter to score over 1000 Test runs at Old Trafford and registered his 104th 50-plus score in Tests, overtaking Ponting in yet another elite category.

Pope Shines in Supporting Role

While Root dominated the headlines, Pope played a crucial second fiddle, accumulating a composed 71. He absorbed pressure from occasional threatening deliveries, particularly from Ravindra Jadeja and debutant Anshul Kamboj, while still finding gaps to rotate the strike. Pope’s 144-run partnership with Root laid the foundation for England’s counterpunch and pushed them close to India’s first-innings total by lunch.

India’s bowling lacked bite in the morning. Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Siraj failed to make early inroads, Jasprit Bumrah had limited effect, and Ravindra Jadeja missed a key run-out opportunity – a summation of a disappointing session for the tourists.

India Fight Back Briefly Through Washington Sundar

Post-lunch, England built on their momentum, with Root continuing his masterclass. However, Washington Sundar sparked a brief Indian resurgence. He broke the Pope-Root stand by enticing an edge from Pope, which was well taken by KL Rahul at slip. Soon after, he trapped Harry Brook in flight and had him stumped for just three, injecting a dose of belief into the Indian camp.

Still, England kept piling on the runs, despite India delaying the second new ball. When it finally came, England had already seized the lead. Bumrah bowled just one over with the fresh cherry before walking off due to an apparent ankle issue, further depleting India’s resources. Siraj, too, left the field during his spell, leaving the bowling unit visibly fatigued.

Record-Breaking Root Reaches 150

Root’s dominance remained uninterrupted. A clip off Kamboj for four brought up his 38th Test hundred, the most by any batter against India, surpassing Steve Smith’s 11. By tea, England had powered to 432/4, leading by 74, and Root was still going strong, having crossed 120 to leapfrog Ponting on the all-time Test runs tally.

As the final session began, Root and Stokes continued their assault. Their 142-run stand further widened England’s advantage, both tactically and psychologically. Stokes battled through visible discomfort — clutching his left leg repeatedly — yet continued to attack, reaching his first half-century of the series in style.

Stokes Battles Pain, Root Falls After Majestic Knock

Stokes showed intent to accelerate, hitting reverse sweeps and pulls to the fence. His body, however, started to betray him as cramps set in. After taking Siraj for a boundary, Stokes eventually hobbled off the pitch, retiring hurt after a gritty 77.

Root, meanwhile, completed his 16th 150-plus score in Tests, a record that places him among the game’s most prolific batsmen. His marathon knock eventually ended when Jadeja beat him in flight and had him stumped — a rare dismissal method for the technically sound right-hander.

Late Wickets but England Stay on Top

With the backbone of the innings removed, India saw a window of opportunity. Bumrah returned to the attack and had Jamie Smith caught behind, collecting his first wicket of the innings. Siraj then breached Chris Woakes’ defence, finally registering a breakthrough of his own.

Despite the breakthroughs, the damage had long been done. Stokes returned to the field late in the day, visibly hampered but determined, and alongside Dawson, saw out the final overs safely.

What to Expect on Day 4

With a 186-run cushion and three wickets still in hand, England will look to bat India completely out of the contest by adding quick runs in the morning session. Stokes and Dawson will likely continue cautiously before England unleashes its bowlers on a battered and bruised Indian lineup.

India, plagued by injuries and an ineffective bowling display, face a mountain to climb if they are to avoid defeat. The condition of Bumrah and Siraj will also be closely monitored, as their availability could make or break India’s chances.

Brief Scores

India: 358
England: 544/7 (Joe Root 150, Ben Stokes 77*, Ollie Pope 71, Ben Duckett 94, Zak Crawley 84; Washington Sundar 2-57, Ravindra Jadeja 2-117)
Lead: England by 186 runs

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