Timesofindia.com in Manchester: Ollie Pope was very smiling at the end of day 3 in Manchester while he was warmly spoke of Joe Root’s brilliance with the bat and the resilience of Ben Stokes with the ball. England had ended the day on 544 for 7, leading India in 186 points during the fourth test. “Rooty’s stroke was exactly what the team needed,” said Pope. “It is a joy to look at. The way he continues to intensify is simply incredible. Four or five years, he struck a ridiculous number of hundreds. He continues to improve.” The 150 root rounds were not only a major moment in the match but also historic. It took him Ricky Ponting on the list of all the Run-Buners. Only Sachin Tendulkar is now ahead. “It’s not massive for milestones,” said Pope, laughing. “But it’s cool – the second more tests. I’m sure he was aware.” When asked for the root that potentially catches the tendulkar file, Pope did not exclude it. “The way he strikes, I am sure he will be led to be n ° 1. He is hungry.” Pope also offered a fitness update on Stokes, which had briefly retired because of cramps. “He’s fine. Just a little.
Survey
Will Joe Root go beyond the Sachin Tendulkar record for tests?
Pope had previously associated Root in a stand of 144 points before being dismissed for 71. The right -hander was full of admiration for how the senior players of England took charge in a potentially online test. With root rewriting records and soldier stokes, England seems well placed to press their advantage to Old Trafford.