IND vs ENG highlights, 4th Test match Day 3: Joe Root’s 150 powers England to 544/7 at stumps

India vs England highlights, 4th Test Match Day 3: Joe Root delivered a masterclass in Manchester on Friday, striking his 38th Test century and climbing to second place on the all-time list of Test run-scorers as England tightened their grip on the fourth Test against India. Root’s sparkling 150, crafted with elegance and control, helped England close Day 3 on 544 for 7, building a commanding 186-run lead over a weary Indian side.

Starting the day on 11, Root had some nervy moments early on, surviving a close lbw appeal and a near run-out. But once settled, he was in complete command. A vital 144-run stand with Ollie Pope laid the foundation, with Pope contributing 71 before falling to Washington Sundar. The off-spinner then dismissed Harry Brook for just 3, briefly lifting Indian hopes.

Root, however, kept England's innings on track and etched his name into the history books by overtaking Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest scorer in Test cricket with 13,409 runs. Only Sachin Tendulkar stands above him. His 38th century also equalled Kumar Sangakkara’s tally for most hundreds, placing him fourth on the all-time list.

Ben Stokes added to the damage with a gritty, unbeaten 77. The England captain battled cramps but remained composed, supporting Root with a patient knock that included some well-timed boundaries. Their 100-run partnership further dented India’s resistance, especially as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj tired in the absence of the injured Nitish Reddy.

Root eventually fell to Ravindra Jadeja for 150, stumped after being beaten by a sharply turning delivery. Woakes then fell to a low-keeping ball from Siraj, but England remained firmly in control.

Earlier in the day, England had resumed on 225 for 2, building on their dominant opening stand from Day 2. Root’s poise and temperament were key, and the Manchester crowd rightly stood to applaud a modern great reaching another milestone. Former captains Michael Atherton and Ricky Ponting paid rich tributes to Root’s achievement, hailing it as one of the great careers in Test cricket.

With England 186 runs ahead and Stokes still at the crease, India face a daunting challenge on Day 4. The home side are eyeing a series-clinching win, and after a dominant batting performance led by Root, they look primed to push for victory.