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July 26, 2025

Root Surpasses Ponting to Become Second-Highest Test Run-Scorer

Root Surpasses Ponting to Become Second-Highest Test Run-Scorer
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England captain Joe Root etched his name deeper into cricket history during the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford. His elegant century, 150 runs, propelled him past Ricky Ponting to become only the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, trailing Sachin Tendulkar by just 2,513 runs.

On day three, Root reached his 38th Test hundred and moved past Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis en route to overtaking Ponting’s tally of 13,378 runs. By stumps, England had amassed 544–7, leading by 186 on the first innings, firmly in control of the match and series.

Masterclass at Old Trafford

  • Root’s record-breaking innings featured impeccable timing and intent, enabling him to edge past multiple legends in one fell swoop.
     
  • His century came in the 101st over, where a calm single took him over Ponting’s runs tally and sparked ovations from the Old Trafford crowd.
     

What’s Next for Root?

  • Former Australia captain Michael Vaughan suggested Root could eclipse Tendulkar’s all-time record by as early as 2027, praising his consistency and longevity/
     
  • England teammate Ollie Pope echoed the sentiment, saying Root is “driven” to become No. 1 and likely to surpass Tendulkar if his body holds up and he continues his form.
     

Legacy & Impact

  • Root now ranks among the most prolific run-makers ever, cementing his status as the leading Test run-scorer for England with 13,409 runs as of this innings.
     
  • His achievement shines brighter as he continues to perform at an elite level in his mid‑30s, exemplifying endurance and class rarely seen at the top in modern cricket

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