Manchester, July 25, 2025 – Joe Root and Ollie Pope struck elegance and authority on the third morning of the fourth test at Old Trafford, putting England firmly to control India. At Lunch on Day 3, the hosts were hanging over 26 points, with the score 332 for 2In response to the first total less of India 358.
Root, undefeated on 63and pope, not on 69sewn an uninterrupted settlement of 135 racesTheir 6th century partnership under the era of Ben Stokes leadership – most in all English couples since the versatile took care of. The duo did not seem to trip, dulling the Indian bowling attack and pushing England closer to potential Batten-sur-lece and domination scenario.
Root joins Elite Test Run-Scorers
In a moment of individual radiance, Joe Root engraved his name further in the cricket folklore by exceeding Rahul Dravid (13,288) And Jacques Kallis (13,289) become it third biggest scorer in the history of the test. He’s now behind only Sachin Tendulkar And Ricky PontingAnd could exceed 13,378 ponting before the end of the day.
The half -century of Root – its 104th in the test cricket – was released 99 deliveriesemphasizing his ability to mark in the tempo without ever appearing precipitated. The crowd of Trafford gave him a standing ovation when he reached the milestone.
Imperturbing pope, frustrated India
Ollie Pope, meanwhile, spoke of her 25th score of fifty-plus In the tests, appear fluid and confident from the start. His race between the Racine counters was clear, because the pair manipulated the field expertly and accumulated at a regular rate.
The only nervous moment came when a mixture almost led to Root’s race on the 22nd. The Ravira Jadeja launch missed the stumps, while Mohammed Siraj and Jadeja exchanged frustrated looks by the lack of medium in mid-mind and the middle, which did not manage to retreat.
Later, the Pope survived a strong chance out of 48 without a beginner ASHUL KAMBOJwhen a thick edge has been overthrown by a substitute guardian Dhruvwhich sounded the stumps. It was a difficult opportunity and perhaps the only real chance that India had in a session otherwise without a counter.
Indian quisors work without reward
India played better than Thursday, tightening their lines and lengths, but they did not have consistency and penetration to break the stand of the Pope Racine. Siraj’s frustration has boiled when a useless throw has led to four reversals – a rare lance that sums up the morning of India.
With the second new ball due to Six OversThe hopes of India are based on the generation of reverse swing or the rebound under the sky of Manchester. But unless they hit lunch early, the advantage of England could become insurmountable.
Ahead
With just England 26 run behind And eight counters in hand, the prospect of beating India from the game is looming. Visitors are already on the rear foot, not only on the dashboard, but mentally – worn out by the balance of Root and the precision of the Pope.
If England can build a substantial advance, they will be in a position of choice to Seal the seriesPerhaps without needing to fight again – a scenario that would underline their domination and their strategic superiority in this fourth test.