MANCHESTER — Joe Root delivered a batting masterclass on Day 1 of the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, scoring a sublime 150* to surpass Ricky Ponting as the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history. His unbeaten century, combined with England’s dominant 302/3, has left India scrambling for answers on a rain-interrupted day.
Root’s Historic Milestone
Root’s flawless innings saw him overtake Ponting’s tally of 13,378 Test runs, placing him behind only Sachin Tendulkar (15,921) in the all-time rankings. The former England captain reached the landmark with a trademark late cut off Jasprit Bumrah, sparking a standing ovation from the Old Trafford crowd. "It’s surreal to be in such company," Root admitted post-match. "Ponting was a hero of mine growing up, so to pass him feels special—but the job’s not done yet."
England’s Commanding Position
England’s top order capitalized on ideal batting conditions after Ben Stokes won the toss. Openers Zak Crawley (42) and Ben Duckett (31) laid a solid foundation with an 84-run stand before Root and Ollie Pope (72) added 187 for the third wicket. India’s bowlers toiled without reward, with Bumrah (1/64) the lone bright spot. Key takeaways from the day:
- Root’s dominance: 150* off 190 balls, 18 fours, 2 sixes
- Pope’s support act: A fluent 72 before edging Shardul Thakur
- India’s struggles: No swing or seam movement for the pacers; Ravindra Jadeja wicketless
Tactical Missteps by India
Critics questioned Rohit Sharma’s decision to omit Ravi Ashwin on a dry pitch. Former England captain Michael Vaughan tweeted: "No Ashwin? Baffling. India have handed England the advantage before a ball was bowled." Mohammed Siraj’s erratic line (0/72) compounded India’s woes, while Jadeja’s lack of turn rendered him ineffective.
Weather Looms as a Factor
Rain wiped out the final session, but England’s aggressive approach—scoring at 4.2 runs per over—has put them in pole position. Forecasts suggest further interruptions, potentially limiting India’s window for a comeback. "We need early wickets tomorrow," admitted Bumrah. "Root’s still there, and that’s the worry."
What’s Next?
Day 2 will hinge on Root’s ability to convert his 150 into a double-century, with Jonny Bairstow (12*) providing firepower. India must strike early to avoid a mammoth total. Statisticians note that teams scoring 300+ on Day 1 win 78% of Tests—a daunting stat for the visitors.
"This is England’s game to lose now," concluded Nasser Hussain on Sky Sports. "Root’s innings was a clinic in how to bat India out of the contest." With the series poised at 1-1, Day 2 could define the outcome of this fiercely contested rivalry.