Joe Root Beats Ricky Ponting; Attains Huge Feat With Stunning Knock At Old Trafford

Joe Root slammed another fifty [Source: AP]

In a phenomenal achievement, legendary England batter Joe Root surpassed Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting on the list of batters with the most fifty-plus scores in Test cricket. The veteran batter unlocked the feat during the third day of the ongoing affair against India at Old Trafford, Manchester. 

Root Eclipses Ponting, Kallis With Magnificent Knock

Joe Root has showcased sublime form in the ongoing Test series against India. He played a pivotal role in the hosts' remarkable victory at Lord's, slamming a glorious century in the first innings. 

He sustained his purple patch in the series, defying the Indian attack with commendable skill and resilience at Old Trafford. After Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley departed, Root formed a valiant third-wicket stand with Ollie Pope, ensuring England avoided a batting collapse against India's spirited bowling attack. 

Root eventually brought up another flamboyant half-century, marking his 104th fifty-plus score in Test cricket. Thus, he overtook legendary batters, Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting, who have 103 scores of fifty or more in the purest format. 

Most 50-plus scores in Test cricket

• Sachin Tendulkar - 119
• Joe Root - 104
• Jacques Kallis - 103
• Ricky Ponting - 103
• Rahul Dravid - 99

Thus, as mentioned above, Sachin Tendulkar has the most number of fifty-plus scores in Test cricket. The Indian great is being chased by Root, who has already raced to 104 scores of fifty runs or more in the format. 

Root also became the first-ever batter to complete 1000 Test runs at the historic Old Trafford in Manchester while surpassing Kallis and Rahul Dravid's tally of Test runs. 

The right-hander's glorious knock helped England claim the driving seat, powering them to 352 for four as of writing. 

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