Joe Root added another monumental achievement to his illustrious career by becoming the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history, surpassing Australian great Ricky Ponting’s tally of 13,378 runs. The historic moment unfolded on Day 3 of the fourth Test between England and India at Old Trafford, Manchester.
Root, playing in his 157th Test match, continued his superb form with the bat and reached the milestone with a trademark stroke of precision and calmness. Coming into the match needing just a handful of runs to overtake Ponting, the former England captain quickly crossed the mark during a steady partnership that anchored England’s innings.
This achievement places Root behind only the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who sits atop the Test run-scoring chart with an astonishing 15,921 runs. Root's consistency, adaptability across conditions, and ability to perform under pressure have defined his Test career. Since his debut in 2012, the Yorkshireman has evolved into England’s batting mainstay, racking up centuries around the globe and earning plaudits for both his elegance and resilience.
As the Old Trafford crowd rose in applause and his teammates acknowledged the moment, Root remained typically composed, aware that the job was far from done. Yet the milestone serves as a testament to his endurance, skill, and elite status among cricket’s all-time greats.
Root’s climb to second on the all-time Test run list underscores his legacy as one of the finest batsmen of the modern era and a pillar of English cricket across generations.
IND Vs ENG, 4th Test: Bizarre Scenes As Joe Root Accidentally Dislodges Mohammed Siraj's Fitness Band During Mid-Pitch Collision; Video
Day 3 of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford witnessed a strange and unexpected moment involving Joe Root and Mohammed Siraj. During the 52nd over of England’s first innings, Root charged down the pitch to play a delivery that stayed low and struck him on the pads. The ball deflected towards fine leg, resulting in four leg byes.
India reviewed the on-field decision hoping for an LBW dismissal, but replays showed the ball had pitched outside leg stump and would have missed the stumps entirely. The not out decision stood, and India lost a crucial review, leaving them with just one remaining.
As the sequence unfolded, Joe Root, in his effort to take a run, collided slightly with Mohammed Siraj, unintentionally knocking off the pacer’s fitness band. While the incident had no bearing on the play itself, it caught the attention of both players and fans for its unusual nature.
Though light-hearted, the moment added to the drama of a closely contested Test match, with tensions already high after Siraj’s earlier exchanges with English batters.
