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.
Root now has 34 test centuries and is closing in on Cook’s record. His average at Old Trafford is exceptional – over 60. Pope’s conversion rate has improved significantly this series, he’s finally delivering on his potential. The partnership of 176 runs was the highest for England in this series so far.
The conditions at Manchester favored batting throughout day 3, with minimal seam movement recorded. Root’s technique against spin was particularly noteworthy – he used his feet well and swept judiciously. England now have aproximately 170 run lead with wickets in hand.
Oh yes, Root scoring another century against tired bowling on a flat pitch. What a surprise! And Pope finally remembered how to hold a bat. Maybe India should try this revolutionary tactic called ‘bowling good balls’ next time?
Root and Pope walked in, Indian bowlers ran away. Simple as that! 😂 Bumrah looking like he needs a holiday, Siraj bowling like he’s trying to help England win the series. At this rate, England will declare at 900 and Indian batsmen will be like ‘nah we good, lets just go home early’
Absolutely brilliant performance from Root and Pope! This is exactly what England needed after the previous tests. Root’s form is just phenomenal, he’s playing like he’s got something to prove. Pope supported him perfectly too. If they can maintain this momentum, India’s gonna have a really tough time chasing whatever target England set.
Fantastic test match cricket! Root showing why he’s one of the modern greats. The way he constructed his innings, rotating strike, finding boundaries when needed – textbook stuff. Pope has really matured as a batsman this series too.
People keep saying India bowled bad but what about England’s batting being actualy good?? Root and Pope played proper test cricket, they earned their runs. Yes maybe India could of bowled better but credit where its due – this was quality batting under pressure.
Our bowling was pathetic today honestly. Where was the aggression? Where was the plan?? Root and Pope just batted like it was a practice session. Bumrah looked tired, spinners were innefective… this is not the India team we know. Very dissapointing display from the bowlers.
Wow Root scored runs again, stop the press! Meanwhile India’s bowling coach probably thinking about his resignation letter right now lol.
This is embarassing for India. How can you let two batsmen dominate like this on day 3?? No plan, no discipline, just bowling without thinking. Captain needs to take responsability for this mess. We’re definitly loosing this test now.
Everyone saying Root is playing great but lets be honest – Indian bowlers made it easy for him. Any decent batsman would’ve scored runs on this pitch with this kind of bowling. Pope got lucky multiple times, should’ve been out atleast twice. England fans acting like this is some masterclass when India just bowled poorly.