The fourth Test match of the five-match series between India and England will begin on July 23 at Old Trafford in Manchester.
England currently holds a 2-1 lead in the series. In this match, all eyes will be on England’s star batsman Joe Root, who has the chance to achieve several major milestones. Notably, Root is presently the number-one ranked batsman in the ICC T20 rankings, and his red-ball form remains equally impressive.
Second-Highest Run Scorer in Test Cricket
If Joe Root manages to score 120 runs in the fourth Test, he will move up to second place on the list of all-time highest run scorers in Test cricket. By doing so, he would surpass legendary batters Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting. Only Sachin Tendulkar would remain ahead of him in terms of career Test runs.
Most Centuries in Tests Against India
A century in Manchester would also allow Root to break another record. If he scores a hundred in this Test, he will surpass Australia’s Steve Smith for the most Test centuries scored against India. Currently, Root has 11 centuries in 33 Test matches against India.
Could Equal Sachin Tendulkar’s Half-Century Tally
In addition, if Root scores a half-century in both innings of the fourth Test, he will equal Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most fifties in Test cricket. As of now, Root has 66 half-centuries in 156 Test matches.
First to 6000 Runs in World Test Championship
Joe Root also has a golden opportunity to become the first player to score 6000 runs in the World Test Championship. He has scored 5796 runs in 67 WTC matches so far. If he scores 204 runs in the fourth Test, he will be the first batter to reach this milestone.
Closing in on 1000 Runs at Old Trafford
Root already holds the record for most Test runs at Old Trafford, with 978 runs to his name. He now needs just 22 more to become the first player ever to score 1000 Test runs at the iconic Manchester ground.