On Day 3 (July 25, 2025) of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Joe Root and Ollie Pope delivered unbeaten half‑centuries to further cement England’s dominance. Their 135‑run partnership by lunch cut India’s first‑innings lead to just 26 runs, lifting England to 332/2 in a gripping morning session
Root headings to another record
As the day progressed, Root surged to his 38th Test century, equalling Kumar Sangakkara’s tally and overtaking Ricky Ponting to move into second place on the all‑time Test run‑scorers list, second only to Sachin Tendulkar. By tea, England reached 433/4, leading India by 75 runs
Indian Bowling Woes Deepen
India once again struggled to maintain control with the ball. Their pace attack lacked sting through the morning, and Mohammed Siraj conceded 58 runs without a wicket in 10 overs, during which tensions flared with English opener Ben Duckett, triggering umpire intervention .
Both Jasprit Bumrah and Siraj were forced off the field before tea due to injuries, striking a blow to India’s hopes in this session and raising alarm about their availability going forward
Context on the Match Momentum
- First innings highlights: India’s 358 included a gutsy 54 from an injured Rishabh Pant, who batted with a fractured right foot, followed by a stellar five‑wicket haul from Ben Stokes—his first in eight years .
- Top-order resistance: England’s openers, Ben Duckett (94) and Zak Crawley (84), set the tone on Day 2, stitching a 166‑run stand and laying a strong foundation for the chase .
Why This Match Matters
- Historic milestones: Root’s achievements—scoring 1,000 Test runs at Old Trafford and becoming only the second-highest run‑scorer ever—highlight his legendary status in international cricket.
- Series implications: With England leading the 5‑match series 2–1, another win here would secure the inaugural Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy.
- India’s predicament: The dual injuries to Bumrah and Siraj magnify the pressure on an already underperforming attack, with captain Shubman Gill facing tough calls ahead
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