Root inches closer to Tendulkar’s record Test tally

Joe Root achieved the landmark after reaching the score of 120* in Manchester during the fourth Test of the ongoing series against India, taking him past Ricky Ponting’s Test tally of 13378 runs.

The England stalwart now sits only behind India’s Sachin Tendulkar (15921) in the all-time Test run-makers list.

Root came in the 39th over after the openers had provided a brilliant start to the hosts, with the side sitting at 197/2 in pursuit of India’s 358, and stabilised England late on Day 2 before continuing the job on Day 3.

During his brilliant knock, Root jumped from fifth place on the all-time men’s run-scorers list to the second spot.

In the 57th and 58th overs of the England innings, Root overtook Rahul Dravid (13288) and Jacques Kallis (13289).

Finally, Root overtook Ponting’s landmark feat in the 101st over.

In the 96th over, Root reached his second century of the series and 38th hundred in Test cricket.

The hundred also put him level with Kumar Sangakkara on the century-makers list, with just Ponting (41), Jacques Kallis (45) and Tendulkar (51) ahead of him.

Root also brought over 1000 Test runs at Old Trafford during this innings, helping put England in the lead and in a strong position in the fourth Test.

At Tea on Day 3, England led by 75 runs with six wickets at their disposal.