Only Don Bradman (19 v England) and Sunil Gavaskar (13 v West Indies) have scored more Test centuries against a single opponent than Root’s 12 against India, a testament to his particular ability against spin bowling and the unique demands of the sub-continent.

The 34-year-old surpassed three legends in one day as he cemented his place among the greats – and helped England strengthen their lead

With a characteristic glide through point for one, Joe Root entered rarefied territory. He is now the second-highest run-scorer in Test match history, after overtaking Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis and Rahul Dravid on day three in Old Trafford.

In a game that so often idolises the spectacular and the brash, Joe Root's journey reminds us that true greatness is forged in patience, humility, and the relentless pursuit of self-improvement.

England will need eight wickets not seven with a hobbling Rishabh Pant batting with broken foot a real possibility, and this pitch is not wearing that much, so lot of work to do, according to Nasser Hussain.

Joe Root, during a superb innings of exactly 150 in the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, went from fifth to second in the list of the highest run-scorers in Test cricket.

Jofra Archer almost follows up the wicket of Shubman Gill with the dismissal of Ravindra Jadeja but an agonising drop from Joe Root leaves India on 222-4 at they try to save the Test and the series on day five of the fourth Test at Old Trafford.

On day 3, in the fourth innings of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Joe Root accidentally smacked Mohammed Siraj's wristbandwith his bat while stealing a run. This happened in the 52nd ball, when a ball from Siraj hit his pads.