Joe Root Smashes 38th Test Century, Surpasses Dravid and Kallis. In the fourth Test of the five-match series between England and India at Old Trafford, Manchester, Joe Root delivered another masterclass with the bat, notching up his 38th Test century. The England batter first etched his name in the record books by overtaking Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis to become the third-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history.
Following up on his century at Lord’s earlier in the series, Root brought up his second ton of the series in Manchester — also marking his 12th century against India in Tests.
Thanks to Root’s unbeaten effort, England crossed the 400-run mark in the first innings for the loss of just four wickets. Earlier, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Ollie Pope all contributed with fifties to lay a solid foundation for England.
Cricket fans praised Joe Root on X after his century in the Manchester Test, with “Joe Root” trending across the platform.

And he does it again .. #Rrroooooooootttttt
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 25, 2025
Rooooooooooooooooooot!!!!
— Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) July 25, 2025
Awesome feat! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾#JoeRoot #ENGvsIND
104 FIFTY+ SCORES IN JUST 157 TESTS for Joe Root! 🤯
— Choudhary kapil (@Kapilmalik3011) July 25, 2025
The man is a run machine, a Test titan, and without a doubt…
🔥 THE GREATEST ENGLAND TEST BATTER EVER! 🔥
Witnessing greatness, one innings at a time. pic.twitter.com/g1672cBouZ
Joe Root another day another century 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hISnuPzTXT
— Cric Irfan (@Irfan_irru_17) July 25, 2025
Hundred for Joe Root 🙏👌Record Breaking Joe Root. He is inspiration for all young generation who wants to play cricket 🎯 #JoeRoot #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/ecfl1AXK7l
— Amit Prajapati (@amit21prajapati) July 25, 2025
100 FOR JOE ROOT!!! 👑
— England's Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) July 25, 2025
The Party Stand rises to acknowledge a special innings from a special player 👏#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/UAJ92Fn1ka
💯 for Joe Root 🐐
— Ishi.❤️ (@ishi_178) July 25, 2025
What an incredible innings ! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dN0Ep047BH
Breking 🚨🔥: JOE ROOT DOES IT AGAIN!❣️
— Sahab Singh Aansoliya (@aansoliy) July 25, 2025
👏 104th fifty-plus score in Test cricket—sheer consistency!
A modern legend, rewriting the record books! 🏏⚾👑 pic.twitter.com/7k987jPpy6
What a Player, What a Batter, 38th Test Hundred. #JoeRoot #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/9Nde9JAp4p
— Ankan Kar (@AnkanKar) July 25, 2025
England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bowl first. India posted a total of 358 all out in their first innings, with notable half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (58), Sai Sudharsan (61), and Rishabh Pant (54). For England, Stokes delivered an impressive five-wicket haul, while Jofra Archer took three wickets. England gained the upper hand in the match thanks to a strong batting performance in their first innings. Leading the five-match series 2-1, the hosts now need a win in the Manchester Test to clinch the series.