England star Joe Root scripted history as he surpassed Australia legend Ricky Ponting to become the highest run-scorer against India in Test matches. Root has scored a total of 2557* Test runs between England and India, eclipsing Sachin Tendulkar’s previous record of 2535 runs.

Root’s remarkable achievement came during the second innings of the first Test in Hyderabad, when he scored 2 runs off six deliveries. This milestone is a testament to his consistent performance against India, boasting an average of 62.31 with 9 centuries and 10 half-centuries in 26 Tests. His proficiency against Indian bowlers is further highlighted by his staggering average of 49.05 from 21 innings on Indian soil, a commendable feat given the challenging spin-friendly conditions.

India vs England, 1st Test Day 3: Live score and updates

Not only has Root matched Ponting’s record, but he is also on the cusp of another milestone: becoming only the fifth visiting Test batter to score over 1000 runs in India. His prowess with the sweep shot, scoring 31.4 percent of his runs against spin in India through various sweeps, underscores his adaptability and skill.

At 33 years old, Joe Root has shown no signs of slowing down. With a Test career tally of 11447 runs and a batting average of 49.99, including 30 centuries, he remains a formidable force in international cricket.

BUMRAH TWIN STRIKES

Earlier, Bumrah provided India with double breakthroughs in the second session, ending Ben Duckett and Root’s stay in the middle. Duckett and Ollie Pope came out swinging, and despite an LBW decision not going India’s way off Bumrah against Duckett, India chose not to review it.

Replays on the giant screen in the stadium indicated that the decision would have been overturned if India had gone upstairs, visibly frustrating Bumrah. However, the Indian pace spearhead redeemed himself by dismissing Duckett with a vicious inswinger that sent his off-stump cartwheeling in the next over. Earlier, Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Zak Crawley for 31 off 33, but England remained unfazed, continuing to attack the Indian spinners throughout the first session.