Joe Root Becomes the 3rd Highest Scorer in Test Cricket as England Takes Control Against India

The hallowed grounds witnessed another chapter in cricket history today as Joe Root, England's prolific run-scorer, ascended to third place in the all-time Test run-scoring charts, underpinning a dominant display that saw England seize control against India. By stumps, the home side had reached a commanding 332 for 2, trailing India’s first innings total by a mere 26 runs, a remarkable turnaround that has swung the momentum firmly in their favour. Root's monumental effort was not just about personal milestones but a masterclass in Test match batting, setting the stage for a potential significant first-innings lead.

Root’s journey past the legendary Jacques Kallis into the exclusive top three was the highlight of a day where England’s batsmen showcased resilience and aggression. The former captain batted with characteristic fluency and an unyielding focus, compiling an innings that blended elegant stroke play with judicious defence. His partnership with Zak Crawley proved particularly fruitful, the pair dismantling India's bowling attack with a blend of confident drives and well-timed pulls. Crawley himself contributed a significant century, laying a solid foundation, but it was Root's continued presence and his ability to accelerate the scoring rate that truly put India under immense pressure. This innings further solidifies Root’s standing as one of the modern era’s greatest, his consistency across diverse conditions a testament to his exceptional skill and mental fortitude.

The shift in power on the second day was palpable. India, having posted a competitive total on the first day, struggled to find answers against England’s top order. The early breakthrough of Ben Duckett was quickly negated by the formidable alliance between Crawley and Root, who capitalized on anything loose and rotated the strike effectively. The pitch, initially offering some assistance to the seamers, flattened out considerably, allowing the batsmen to play with greater freedom. Indian captain Rohit Sharma rotated his bowlers, but none could consistently trouble the set batsmen, with their pacers lacking the incisiveness of the previous day and spinners failing to extract significant turn. The visitors now face a daunting task on day three, needing early wickets to prevent England from building an insurmountable lead and dictating the remainder of this crucial Test match. Root's milestone innings has not only etched his name deeper into the record books but has also placed England in a commanding position to press for victory.