Joe Root has redefined greatness. With a flawless 150-run masterclass against India at Old Trafford, the English batter leapfrogged legends like Ricky Ponting, Rahul Dravid, and Jacques Kallis to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket. Now, only one name stands between him and the summit, Sachin Tendulkar.

Root Goes Past Ponting, Dravid, and Kallis
Joe Root began the fourth Test needing just 24 runs to surpass Ricky Ponting’s 13,378 Test tally. He stormed past it with ease, finishing the day on 13,409 Test runs.

In a single innings, Root overtook:
•Jacques Kallis (13,289)
•Rahul Dravid (13,288)
•Ricky Ponting (13,378)
Now, only Tendulkar’s 15,921 remains ahead. And Root is just 34 years old.


Century No. 38: Level with Sangakkara
Root’s 150 at Old Trafford also brought up his 38th Test century. That ties him with Kumar Sangakkara for the fourth-most Test hundreds in history.

Only three players stand above him:
•Sachin Tendulkar – 51
•Jacques Kallis – 45
•Ricky Ponting – 41
Root’s consistency has kept England competitive for over a decade. And his appetite shows no signs of slowing.


Root Makes Old Trafford His Kingdom
Old Trafford has seen greatness. But no one has owned it quite like Joe Root.
With this innings, he became the first player in history to score 1,000 Test runs at the venue. Across 12 matches in Manchester, Root has scored over 1,000 runs with elegance and authority.
From his famous 254 against Pakistan in 2016 to this latest milestone, Old Trafford now belongs to him.


Most Catches by a Non-Wicketkeeper: Root Breaks Another Record
Joe Root’s impact goes beyond the bat.
He now holds the record for most catches in Test history by a non-wicketkeeper — 211. He overtook Rahul Dravid’s record of 210, cementing his name among the best slip fielders the game has ever seen.
Whether it’s at first slip or gully, Root rarely drops. His hands have been as reliable as his blade.

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India at the Receiving End Again
India has often felt the sting of Root’s brilliance.
His 150 at Old Trafford marked his ninth century against India in home Tests — more than any player in history. He overtook even Don Bradman, who had eight home tons against England.
For a team that has faced the world’s best, India has found Root particularly relentless.

Ben Stokes: ‘Root Is the Greatest’
After the day’s play, England captain Ben Stokes summed it up in one line:
“Joe Root is the greatest we’ve ever had. Period.”
Stokes praised Root’s work ethic, calmness, and leadership. Even without the captaincy, Root remains England’s heartbeat.

Can He Catch Tendulkar?
The big question now: Can Root reach 15,921 Test runs?
At 13,409, he’s still 2,512 runs away. But at age 34, and with England set to play over 25 Tests in the next two years, it’s possible.
If Root scores at his usual average (around 50), he may break the record by mid-2027. What once seemed untouchable now feels within reach.

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