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Manchester, July 2025 Joe Root just keeps delivering. In a packed Old Trafford crowd, during the fourth Test against India, Root reminded the world why he’s one of the greatest batters in Test cricket.
He didn’t just score his 38th Test century he also passed a massive career milestone. With that innings, Joe Root has now gone past Ricky Ponting to become the second highest run scorer in Test history, right behind Sachin Tendulkar.
That’s not something you see every day.
Leading from the Front
India put up a solid total of 358 in the first innings. England needed a strong reply, and Root stepped up. He played a calm, composed knock of 150 runs off 248 balls the confidence only a player of his experience can bring.
He didn’t rush. He didn’t try to do anything flashy. He just batted the way he always has with patience, balance, and smart shot selection. And when he reached his hundred, the Manchester crowd rose as one. It was his 38th Test century, and it came at just the right moment.
Another 150 and Another Record
Not only did he get a hundred he also crossed 150 runs for the 17th time That’s the kind of number very few batters in history reach. But Root’s been doing this for over a decade now, and he’s still going strong.
This isn’t just about one game. This is about a career that keeps climbing new heights.
In 2024, he followed that up with 1,556 runs across 17 matches. Now, halfway through 2025, he’s once again climbed into the top three proving that he’s still the backbone of England’s batting line up.
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Root’s Test Career: What a Journey
Let’s take a step back. Root debuted in 2012. Since then, he’s faced some of the best bowlers in the world in all kinds of conditions from spinning tracks in Asia to green tops in England. And he’s always found a way to score.
Now, in 2025, he’s passed Ricky Ponting. That puts him second on the all time list of Test run scorers, behind only the great Sachin Tendulkar. It’s a huge moment not just for Root, but for England cricket.
England in Control
With Root’s ton and contributions from others, England have reached 544/7 in reply to India’s 358. The match is still on, but England are in the driver’s seat, thanks in large part to their captain’s steady hand
He hasn’t just led with decisions. He’s led with the bat, when it mattered most.
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