Manchester, July 25, 2025 — Joe Root and Ollie Pope batted with elegance and authority on the third morning of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, putting England firmly in control against India. At lunch on Day 3, the hosts trailed by just 26 runs, with the score at 332 for 2, in reply to India’s first-innings total of 358.
Root, unbeaten on 63, and Pope, not out on 69, stitched together an unbroken stand of 135 runs, their sixth century partnership under the Ben Stokes leadership era — the most by any English pair since the all-rounder took charge. The duo looked unflustered, blunting the Indian bowling attack and nudging England closer to a potential bat-once-and-dominate scenario.
Root Joins Elite Test Run-Scorers
In a moment of individual brilliance, Joe Root etched his name further into cricketing folklore by surpassing Rahul Dravid (13,288) and Jacques Kallis (13,289) to become the third-highest run-scorer in Test history. He now sits behind only Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting, and could surpass Ponting’s 13,378 before the day ends.
Root’s half-century — his 104th in Test cricket — came off 99 deliveries, underlining his ability to score at tempo without ever appearing rushed. The Old Trafford crowd gave him a standing ovation as he reached the milestone.
Pope Unfazed, India Frustrated
Ollie Pope, meanwhile, brought up his 25th fifty-plus score in Tests, looking fluent and confident from the outset. His running between the wickets with Root was sharp, as the pair manipulated the field expertly and accumulated at a steady pace.
The only nervous moment came when a mix-up nearly led to Root’s run-out on 22. Ravindra Jadeja’s throw from point missed the stumps, while Mohammed Siraj and Jadeja exchanged frustrated glances at the lack of support from mid-off and mid-on, who failed to back up.
Later, Pope survived a sharp chance on 48 off debutant Anshul Kamboj, when a thick edge was spilled by substitute keeper Dhruv Jurel, who was standing up to the stumps. It was a difficult opportunity and perhaps the only real chance India had in an otherwise wicketless session.
Indian Bowlers Toil Without Reward
India bowled better than they did on Thursday, tightening their lines and lengths, but they lacked the consistency and penetration to break through the Root-Pope stand. Siraj’s frustration boiled over when an unnecessary throw led to four overthrows — a rare lapse that summed up India’s morning.
With the second new ball due in six overs, India’s hopes rest on generating reverse swing or bounce under Manchester’s overcast skies. But unless they strike early post-lunch, England’s advantage could become insurmountable.
Looking Ahead
With England just 26 runs behind and eight wickets in hand, the prospect of batting India out of the game looms large. The visitors are already on the back foot, not just on the scoreboard, but mentally — worn down by Root’s poise and Pope’s precision.
If England can build a substantial lead, they’ll be in prime position to seal the series, possibly without needing to bat again — a scenario that would underline their dominance and strategic superiority in this fourth Test.
