Root etched his name deeper into cricketing history, becoming the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket. Coming in at 197\/2 after a strong opening partnership, Root immediately anchored the innings. His fluent knock, spread across two days, showcased patience and class. As he nudged and drove past the Indian attack, he overtook Rahul Dravid (13,288 runs), Jacques Kallis (13,289), and eventually Ricky Ponting (13,378) \u2014 climbing from fifth to second on the all-time run-scorers list.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cJoe Root\u2019s method is just so solid \u2014 you don\u2019t see him shift gears dramatically. When Bazball first came in, he experimented a bit \u2014 ramping seamers, playing reverse scoops \u2014 but he\u2019s set that aside now. He\u2019s found a balanced approach, maybe carried over a few elements from that expansive phase, but overall, he sticks to what works best for him.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhen the opposition \u2014 like India today \u2014 aren\u2019t challenging enough, Root digs in, takes guard, and mentally decides to bat through the day. He forces you to produce a top-quality delivery to dismiss him \u2014 and India simply couldn\u2019t do that today. Another 150 to his name, and as I said earlier, he\u2019s mastering his craft more with every knock,\u201d said Trott on JioHotstar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Root\u2019s century, his 38th in Test cricket, also drew him level with Kumar Sangakkara in the list of most Test hundreds. Only Ponting (41), Kallis (45), and Tendulkar (51) now stand above him in that elite company.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhen the opposition \u2014 like India today \u2014 aren\u2019t challenging enough, Root digs in, takes guard, and mentally decides to bat through the day. He forces you to produce a top-quality delivery to dismiss him \u2014 and India simply couldn\u2019t do that today. Another 150 to his name, and as I said earlier, he\u2019s mastering his craft more with every knock,\u201d said Trott on JioHotstar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIndia won\u2019t be thinking of a draw \u2014 they\u2019ll be hoping for the sun to be out so they can pile on runs and put pressure back on England. The surface is showing signs of uneven bounce, so it could get tricky for some bowlers. Chris Woakes may not be as effective, but Ben Stokes will still need to bowl a lot of overs. Jofra Archer\u2019s tall action and ability to target the stumps could prove dangerous, especially if the ball stays low. And watch out for Liam Dawson \u2014 not necessarily for unplayable deliveries, but he\u2019ll play a crucial role in England\u2019s bowling strategy,\u201d said Manjrekar<\/p>\r\n\r\n