TimesofIndia.com in Manchester: Ollie Pope was all smiles at the end of Day 3 in Manchester as he spoke warmly about Joe Root’s brilliance with the bat and Ben Stokes’ resilience with the ball. England had ended the day on 544 for 7, leading India by 186 runs in the fourth Test. “Rooty’s knock was exactly what the team needed,” Pope said. “He is a joy to watch. The way he keeps stepping up, it’s just incredible. Last four or five years, he’s hit a ridiculous number of hundreds. He just keeps getting better.” Root’s innings of 150 was not just a major moment in the match but also a historic one. It took him past Ricky Ponting on the all-time list of Test run-scorers. Only Sachin Tendulkar is now ahead. “He’s not a massive one for milestones,” Pope said with a laugh. “But that’s a cool one — second most Test runs. I’m sure he was aware.” When asked about Root potentially catching Tendulkar’s record, Pope didn’t rule it out. “The way he’s batting, I’m sure he’ll be driven to be No.1. He’s got the hunger.” Pope also offered a fitness update on Stokes, who had briefly retired hurt due to cramps. “He’s okay. Just cramping a bit. The amount he’s bowled and pushed himself — serious limits. But he’ll be good to go tomorrow.”
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Will Joe Root surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record for Test runs?
Pope had earlier partnered Root in a 144-run stand before being dismissed for 71. The right-hander was full of admiration for the way England’s senior players were taking charge in a potentially series-clinching Test. With Root rewriting records and Stokes soldiering on, England look well placed to press home their advantage at Old Trafford.
