- July 26, 2025
You know something special has just happened in the world of cricket when Ricky Ponting, never one to throw out praise lightly, stands up and applauds. And not just for any milestone—Joe Root has just leapfrogged the Australian icon himself to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history. The scene? Day 3 began with mist and murmurs, but ended with Root carving a symphony across the Old Trafford outfield. The moment? A humble single off Anshul Kamboj, but one that etched Root’s name into cricketing folklore. If you were watching, chances are you got chills too.
Ponting Applauds His Successor: Respect Between Greats
Root’s record-breaking single sparked a standing ovation at Old Trafford, but it was Ponting’s gracious commentary that turned it into pure cricketing gold.
“Congratulations, Joe Root! Magnificent, second on the table… Magnificent moment in history,” said Ponting, standing tall in his respect for the man who just overtook him.
Let’s be real here, Ponting is not just great, he is a standard in Test cricket. So, when he raised his hat live on-air, you know that Root’s honour means more than just numbers. It means legacy. And the way that Root achieved 13,379 runs in one fewer innings than Ponting is icing on the cake.
It is the friendship and respect over generations of cricketers that makes moments like this even sweeter.
Root’s Record-Breaking Knock: Not Just Another Century
Root didn’t just break a record. He obliterated it, and did it while playing one of the classiest Test innings you are ever likely to see—an unbeaten 120 (off 201 balls) full of patience, timing and class. And no, he wasn’t just passing Ponting. Earlier in this innings, he passed Jacques Kallis (13289) and Rahul Dravid (13288), not bad players either.
Just think about that for a second, in a single innings, Root has passed three of the very best players to ever play the game.
What is even more amazing is the context. This wasn’t a dead rubber. England were in a tight Test against India, and Root’s ton came in a period where his team had to build a sizeable first innings advantage. By Tea, England had established a score of 433/4, a lead of 75 runs – Root absolutely in control.
Can He Catch the Master? Tendulkar’s Record Now in Sight
As Root carves his legacy one cover drive at a time, the shadow of 15,921 looms like cricket’s final frontier.
Michael Atherton thinks so. The former England captain recently estimated that Root, who averages around 85 runs per Test, would need about 30 more matches to catch up to the Little Master. That’s roughly two and a half years of cricket—assuming Root stays injury-free and keeps playing the way he has been.
And honestly, that doesn’t seem unrealistic. At 34, Root is fit, driven, and correct in terms of his technique. He has developed as a batter, finding new gears without losing the old-school toughness that makes him a dream in whites.
The question now isn’t whether Root is a modern-day great—that ship sailed long ago. The real intrigue? How much further can he go? Can he do what once seemed impossible and overtake Tendulkar himself?
Let us know what you think: Will Root rewrite history once again? Or will Sachin’s Mountain remain unconquered?
For more, visit JeetBuzz News to read our quality Cricket Blog updates. Explore if you want to reminisce and enjoy all of your favourite cricket players and nostalgic match moments. To ensure that you never miss out, keep updated and join in the fun!
