Joe Root Makes History as England Gain Control on Day 3 vs. India

England maintained their dominance on Day 3 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford with Joe Root taking the center stage by accomplishing a career-defining milestone. The veteran English batsman played an excellent inning and scored his 38th Test century. With this century, Root broke several records and made an enormous impression in cricket history. One of his most significant accomplishments was surpassing the great Don Bradman for most centuries scored at home against any single opponent. Not only that, but Root also went past Steve Smith as the player with most centuries against India. His batting was serene concentrated and extremely effective as he continued to score runs and add to England's tally.

 England concluded the second session at 412 runs at a loss of four wickets after 97.2 overs, with a 54-run lead over India. The pressure on the Indian team continued to build up as the match progressed. Root's batting also saw him surpass the total career runs of some all-time greats such as Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis. He is set to surpass Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run scorer in Test cricket, which is an achievement of immense personal magnitude. Though India did okay in the morning they were not able to build on the same energy in the period after Lunch. India's one major positive came in the form of Washington Sundar who was able to get two rapid wickets immediately after the interval. This provided Shubman Gill's team with a much-needed cause for celebration. But the celebration was short-lived as Root continued to frustrate the Indian bowlers by punching gaps and rotating the strike with impunity. His association with other English hitters ensured that the scoreboard continued to tick.

A worrying sight for India was when Jasprit Bumrah was spotted off the field. The absence of Indian pace spearhead contributed to the issues of the team since England batters were finding it easier to settle in and find runs. The bowling attack also wasn't as sharp with Bumrah's absence and it gave Root a free run and the opportunity to construct his innings even further. The current total of England and lead are placing them in a very good position to move forward to the latter days of the Test. The game is being played at the Emirates Old Trafford ground in Manchester and is a part of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. The trophy already witnessed high-intensity cricket throughout the series and Day 3 of the fourth Test only provided more drama. England's deep batting line-up spearheaded by Root ensured that the Indian bowlers had to toil hard to get each wicket.

The over four runs per over consistent scoring rate indicates how assuredly England batted on a pitch that did not provide much assistance to bowlers. India had scored 358 runs in the first innings and even though it seemed competitive initially England's counter has totally changed the pace. Root's century not only kept his side ahead on the scoreboard but also contributed to his own legacy as one of the greats of today's game. Each run he scored appeared to push the Indian bowlers and fielders one step back. His reading of the conditions and his sense of pace in his innings made him appear nearly unbeatable on the crease. Shubman Gill and company will now need to regroup and devise a way to stage a comeback in the match. With Root at his best and the pitch continuing to hold up nicely the Indian bowlers will have to become more disciplined and varied if they wish to rein in the English team and turn the game back their way. The bowling strategies and field placements will need to be better in the last few sessions.

India's chance may lie in getting early breakthroughs on Day 4 if they need to remain in the fight. Hitherto, the match has been thrilling combination of team wars and individual brilliance. The spotlight has firmly turned to Joe Root who not only ensured his team gained dominance of the Test but also placed his name among some of the all-time greats of the game. His century against India in this Test was not merely about the figures but also about class of timing and patience. With the crowd of Old Trafford in full cry behind him Root appeared a man driven intent on leading his side to triumph. Having a lead of more than 50 runs and six wickets remaining England seem to be well placed to post a much larger total in the next sessions. The Indian management will be counting on Bumrah coming back on the field soon since his presence might prove to be the turning point in reversing their fortunes. Till then though, everyone's attention remains on how Root and England follow up on this strong start and whether India can find solutions to stem their charge.