Day 3 of the Manchester Test belonged entirely to England. What started as a strong position turned into complete dominance, thanks to a remarkable century by Joe Root
Day 3 of the Manchester Test belonged entirely to England. What started as a strong position turned into complete dominance, thanks to a remarkable century by Joe Root and a gritty innings from skipper Ben Stokes. With Root reaching historic milestones and England ending the day at a commanding 544/7, leading by 186 runs, India finds itself on the back foot with two days left in the fourth Test.
Resuming play at 225/2, England were trailing India’s first innings total of 358 by 133 runs. However, the hosts batted with patience, authority, and flair to not just erase the deficit but build a solid lead. Root and Ollie Pope, who came in late on Day 2, set the tone early and kept the Indian bowlers at bay with a calculated approach.
Joe Root once again proved why he is considered one of the modern greats in Test cricket. Playing with elegance and composure, Root reached his 38th Test century and went on to score a stunning 150 off 248 deliveries. His innings was laced with 14 crisp boundaries, each a testament to his mastery over timing and placement.
What made the day even more special for Root was his leap in the all-time Test run-scorers list. He overtook legends like Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting, placing himself second only to Sachin Tendulkar. Root’s achievement marked a golden chapter in England’s cricketing history.
Before Root took complete charge, it was Ollie Pope who provided the perfect start on a fresh morning. Pope scored a fluent 71 with seven boundaries, complementing Root well and frustrating the Indian bowling attack. The duo’s partnership helped England ease into the day, building pressure on India.
Washington Sundar gave India a brief moment of relief by breaking the partnership, dismissing Pope, and soon after, sending Harry Brook back for just 3. But the celebrations didn’t last long.
Ben Stokes walked in with England still trailing slightly, but soon turned the tide with a composed and gritty knock. He stitched together a massive 142-run partnership with Root, which proved to be the turning point of the match. His innings of 77* was a display of leadership under pressure, blending defense with occasional attacking shots to wear down the bowlers.
By the time Ravindra Jadeja managed to dismiss Root, the damage was already done. The scoreboard had tipped heavily in England’s favor, and India was struggling to find breakthroughs.
India did manage to pick up a few wickets toward the end of the day. Chris Woakes (4) and Jamie Smith (9) were both dismissed, giving India something to hold onto. Still, with England at 544/7 and a healthy 186-run lead, the hosts are firmly in control.
Liam Dawson, unbeaten on 21, will join Stokes on Day 4 as England look to extend their lead beyond 200, putting even more scoreboard pressure on India in the second innings.
India’s bowlers looked worn out on Day 3. Despite trying different combinations, they struggled to find consistency. Only Washington Sundar and Jadeja were among the wickets, but England’s batsmen dominated the day. With just three wickets left to take, India’s immediate focus on Day 4 will be to wrap up the tail quickly and then bat out of their skins to save the match.
Day 3 at Manchester was all about Joe Root’s batting masterclass and England’s calculated dominance. With milestones reached and a commanding lead secured, England now stands as the clear favorite in this fourth Test. India will need nothing short of a miracle to bounce back as the match heads into its final two days.
