A monumental day for England at Old Trafford saw Joe Root etch his name deeper into cricketing history, while Ben Stokes battled through cramp and pain to further punish India, who endured a day to forget in the fourth Test.
England ended Day 3 on 544/7 in 135 overs, taking a commanding lead of 186 runs over India’s first-innings total of 358. The home side is now firmly in control, with Stokes unbeaten and Liam Dawson providing solid support at the close.
The day belonged to Joe Root, who produced yet another masterclass with the bat. The Yorkshireman’s sublime innings of 150 was not just a personal triumph but a historic one:
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He overtook Don Bradman for the most home Test centuries against a single opponent.
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He moved past Steve Smith for the most Test tons against India.
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And most significantly, he climbed to second on the all-time list of Test run-scorers, surpassing legends Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting—now only trailing Sachin Tendulkar.
Root’s knock was the backbone of England’s batting effort, but Ben Stokes delivered a captain’s innings of grit and determination. After making 66, Stokes had to retire hurt in the final session with cramp, only to return later and resume his assault on a weary Indian attack. He remains unbeaten and closing in on a well-deserved century.
The day began with promise for India, but the bowlers quickly found themselves worn down by relentless English batting. Mohammed Siraj managed to dismiss Chris Woakes, but by then the damage was already mounting.
India now face a monumental task, not only to stem the flow of runs but to claw their way back into a match slipping swiftly from their grasp.
Score Summary at Stumps, Day 3:
England 544/7 (135 overs)
Lead: 186 runs
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Joe Root – 150
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Ben Stokes – 66* (retired hurt, returned)
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Liam Dawson – at the crease
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Mohammed Siraj – pick of the bowlers for India
With two days left and England still going strong, the hosts will be eyeing an innings victory or, at the very least, a match-winning cushion. Day 4 promises more drama — but unless India finds some inspiration, it may be England writing all the headlines once again.