Record-breaking Root puts England in control in 2nd Test

Joe Root made a scintillating 150 and became the second-highest run-scorer in Tests, while skipper Ben Stokes came after hobbling off due to a cramp and be unbeaten on 77 as the duo played huge roles in England taking a substantial 186-run lead over India on day three of fourth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at Old Trafford on Friday.

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Resuming from 225/2, England added a whopping 319 runs for the loss of five wickets. But the highlight of day three's play was Root combining the precision of a surgeon and composure of an artist to overtake Jacques Kallis, Rahul Dravid and Ricky Ponting for being at second place in all-time Test run-scorers' list through his 38th Test hundred.

He also shared a 144-run stand with Ollie Pope, who made 71, before Stokes made his highest batting score of this series. With Stokes and Liam Dawson (21 not out) at the crease, England can be hopeful of building the lead and pile more misery on a hapless Indian bowling lineup, who missed their lengths, bereft of ideal tactics, and gave away easy runs.

If this wasn't enough, then Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj had to go off the field at times during second session due to ankle concerns, though the former did come back to the field. On a day where they conceded a total above 500 for the first time after 2021, India are now staring at a massive challenge to stage a comeback into the match.