The cricketing world witnessed a spectacular display of batting prowess on Day 3 of the 4th Test match between England and India at Old Trafford, Manchester, on July 25, 2025. At the heart of this enthralling encounter was record breaking Root, whose record-breaking performance not only solidified England’s commanding position but also saw him inch closer to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in the annals of Test cricket history.
As stumps were drawn with England leading by 186 runs (544-7 compared to India’s 358), Root’s brilliance shone through, adding another chapter to his illustrious career. However, this triumph was not a solo act. The contributions from other England batters and the relentless efforts of the bowlers played a crucial role in shaping this narrative. Let’s delve into the day’s events, celebrating the collective effort that has set the stage for an exhilarating conclusion.
The Rise of Record Breaking Root
Joe Root, often regarded as one of England’s finest modern-day batsmen, turned the tide in favor of the hosts with a masterclass innings that underscored his consistency and class. The image of Root holding his bat aloft, helmet in hand, against the backdrop of Old Trafford, encapsulated a moment of triumph. His record-breaking knock not only propelled England to a formidable total but also highlighted his ability to perform under pressure. Root’s contribution, paired with strategic play, saw him surpass several milestones, drawing inevitable comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar, the benchmark for batting excellence.
Root inches closer to Sachin with every innings, and this performance at Old Trafford was no exception. With a career that has seen him accumulate over 12,886 runs in 151 Tests (as per recent statistical analyses), Root is steadily narrowing the gap with Tendulkar’s 11,939 runs from the same number of matches. His average of 50.93, though slightly below Tendulkar’s 54.02, is complemented by a higher number of half-centuries (64 vs. 49), showcasing his reliability. This knock at Manchester, where he averages over 70, further cemented his reputation as a home fortress, a statistic that resonates with his 180 at Lord’s in the 2013 Ashes and his consistent performances against top-tier opposition.
Contributions from Other Batters
While Root’s performance stole the spotlight, the foundation for England’s imposing total was laid by a collective effort from the batting lineup. The day began with England resuming their innings, and the early exchanges saw a resilient partnership that set the tone. Openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley provided a solid start, with Duckett’s aggressive 94 and Crawley’s steady 84 laying a platform for the middle order. Their unbroken stand of 71 in the chase during the 1st Test at Headingley earlier in the series hinted at their growing synergy, a trend that continued to bear fruit.
As the innings progressed, Ollie Pope emerged as a key contributor with a well-crafted 71. His innings was a blend of patience and aggression, ensuring England maintained momentum after the early wickets. Pope’s knock was particularly significant given the challenging conditions, and his half century marked his return to form, adding depth to England’s batting arsenal. Alongside Pope, his innings a testament to his flair and ability to accelerate when needed.
The lower middle order also chipped in with valuable contributions. Ben Stokes, the captain, played a stabilizing role with an unbeaten 77, showcasing his trademark resilience. His partnership with Root was pivotal, adding 142 runs to the total and ensuring England ended the day in a strong position. Liam Dawson, coming in lower down the order, remained not out on 21, offering a glimmer of hope for the tail to wag on Day 4. This collective effort from the batters, underpinned by Root’s record-breaking knock, transformed England’s innings into a formidable challenge for India.
The Hard Work of the Bowlers
While the batters dominated the headlines, the bowlers’ hard work on the previous days laid the groundwork for England’s dominance. India’s first innings total of 358 was a testament to the disciplined bowling attack led by England’s pace and spin duo. The fast bowlers, including Ben stokes and Jofra, toiled hard, with Stokes picking up 5 wickets in the first innings, including key scalps that disrupted India’s momentum. His figures of 5-72 highlighted his ability to exploit the conditions, while Archer’s nagging line and length kept the Indian batters in check.
On Day 3, the bowlers’ efforts were less prominent due to England’s batting focus, but their earlier work ensured India’s total was kept in check. The high economy rates of India’s fast bowlers—Thakur, Kamboj, and Siraj—on this day (as noted in match analyses) suggested that England’s bowlers had set a benchmark for discipline. With India’s spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, picking up 2 wickets each, the battle between the bowling units promises to intensify on Day 4. England’s bowlers will need to replicate their first-innings performance to capitalize on the 186-run lead.
India’s Response and the Road Ahead
India’s bowling attack faced a stern test on Day 3, with their fast bowlers struggling to contain England’s batsmen. Mohammed Siraj’s figures of 1-112 reflected the pressure exerted by the English middle order, while the spinners managed to stem the flow of runs to some extent. Jadeja and Sundar’s 2 wickets each were a silver lining, but the high economy rates indicated a need for tactical adjustments. The Indian batters will face a daunting task on Day 4, needing to bat out at least 120 overs and aim for a combined score of 300 from the top four to force a draw, a scenario that seems challenging given the current lead.
For England, the declaration looms as a strategic decision. With Root and Stokes unbeaten, the team management might opt to extend the innings slightly on Day 4 to maximize the lead before unleashing the bowlers. The pitch, showing signs of wear, could assist the spinners, giving Leach and Bashir a chance to exploit any weaknesses in the Indian lineup. The historical context of Old Trafford, where England has often held the upper hand, adds to the optimism in the home camp.
Root Inches Closer to Sachin: A Statistical Perspective
The record-breaking Root’s performance on Day 3 invites a deeper comparison with Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar’s home record of 5,118 runs in 64 Tests at an average of 54.44, with 16 hundreds, is a towering achievement. Root, with 6,758 runs in 78 home Tests at 54.94 and 21 hundreds, is not far behind. His away record, though slightly lower, shows a consistency that mirrors Tendulkar’s global dominance. The Manchester innings, where he surpassed the likes of Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting in a single outing, underscores his ascent.
Tendulkar’s edge lies in his century rate and average, but Root’s longevity and adaptability suggest he could challenge these records. With every record-breaking knock, Root inches closer to Sachin, a pursuit that excites fans and analysts alike. His ability to perform in high-stakes matches, as seen in this Test, positions him as a potential successor to Tendulkar’s legacy.
Conclusion
Day 3 at Old Trafford was a testament to Joe Root’s record-breaking prowess, with his innings steering England to a 186-run lead. The contributions from Duckett, Crawley, Pope, Brook, Stokes, and Dawson showcased a team effort, while the bowlers’ hard work earlier in the match set the stage for this dominance. As Root inches closer to Sachin, the cricketing world watches with bated breath, anticipating whether he can emulate the Indian maestro’s greatness. With two days remaining, the battle is far from over, but England’s position, bolstered by Root’s brilliance, promises an enthralling finish. Cricket lovers can only hope for more such displays of skill and strategy as the series unfolds.
