Masterclass in Manchester: Joe Root Slams 38th Test Ton, Breaks Multiple Records in Style

Joe Root reaffirmed his status as one of the modern greats of Test cricket with a record-laden century on Day 3 of the fifth Test against India at Old Trafford.

The England superstar reached his 38th Test century, drawing level with Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara, while simultaneously climbing to third on the all-time list of Test run-scorers-surpassing two legends in the process.

Root's unbeaten knock on Friday wasn't just about runs-it was about rewriting history. Coming into the match with 13,258 Test runs, he needed just 31 more to overtake Rahul Dravid (13,288) and Jacques Kallis (13,289). That milestone was achieved in the 58th over of the innings, when Root calmly nudged Mohammed Siraj for a couple, moving past the two legends to become the third-highest run-getter in Test history.

Later on, he went to the 120-run mark to get past the legendary Ricky Ponting to occupy the 2nd spot.

Most Runs in Test Cricket (as of July 25, 2025)

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) - 15,921
2. Joe Root (England) - 13,380+ ✅
3. Ricky Ponting (Australia) - 13,378
4. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) - 13,289
5. Rahul Dravid (India) - 13,288

Century Milestone: Root Levels with Sangakkara

Root's 38th Test century not only matched Kumar Sangakkara's tally but solidified his place among cricket's elite. The list now sees Root standing just behind:

1. Sachin Tendulkar - 51
2. Jacques Kallis - 45
3. Ricky Ponting - 41
4. Joe Root - 38 ✅
5. Kumar Sangakkara - 38
6. Rahul Dravid - 36
7. Steven Smith - 36

At just 34 years old, and in prime batting form, the current No. 1 Test batter in the world has a realistic shot at challenging even Tendulkar's all-time record of 51 centuries if he continues at this pace.

🏡 Home Heroics: 23rd Ton in England

This innings also marked Root's 23rd Test hundred on home soil, the joint-most home centuries in Test history, equalling:

• Ricky Ponting (AUS) - 23
• Jacques Kallis (SA) - 23
• Mahela Jayawardene (SL) - 23
• Joe Root (ENG) - 23 ✅

Root's dominance in English conditions has been pivotal to England's success in the past decade. He averages over 55 at home and has consistently delivered under pressure.

Record vs India: Root Stands Tall

The hundred in Manchester was also Root's 12th Test century against India, taking him past Steven Smith's 11 and placing him among a select group of batters with the most Test centuries against a single opposition:

1. Don Bradman - 19 vs England
2. Sunil Gavaskar - 13 vs West Indies
3. Joe Root - 12 vs India ✅
4. Jack Hobbs - 12 vs Australia
5. Steven Smith - 12 vs England

Root's phenomenal record against India includes hundreds across conditions-be it Chennai, Lord's, Ahmedabad, or Manchester. He has scored over 2,500 Test runs against India at an average north of 55.

What Makes Root Special?

Joe Root's success lies in his adaptability. Whether facing pace in Australia, spin in the subcontinent, or seam at home, his technique, temperament, and fitness have kept him at the top of world cricket. Since relinquishing captaincy in 2022, Root's batting has hit a golden patch-playing with more freedom and clarity.

He is also the anchor of England's famed "Big Four" era of batting, alongside Steve Smith, Virat Kohli, and Kane Williamson, but he's now statistically a step ahead.

🚨 Root's Records from Manchester Test (as of Day 3):

• ✅ 38th Test century - equals Sangakkara (4th most overall)
• ✅ 23rd Test hundred in England - joint-most in home Tests
• ✅ 12th Test ton vs India - most by any batter
• ✅ Surpasses Dravid & Kallis to become 3rd-highest run-scorer in Tests
• ✅ Firmly retains No. 1 spot in ICC Test batting rankings

As England look to level the series against India, Root's majestic knock may prove decisive-not just in this match, but in cementing his legacy as one of the greatest Test batters of all time. And the scariest part for bowlers? He's not done yet.