The 34-year-old surpassed three legends in one day as he cemented his place among the greats – and helped England strengthen their lead

No airs, no graces – just a wave of the right hand and a slight nod of the head from one of sport’s most self-effacing figures, as Joe Root humbly acknowledged a standing ovation when he passed Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run scorer in Test history.

In a game that so often idolises the spectacular and the brash, Joe Root's journey reminds us that true greatness is forged in patience, humility, and the relentless pursuit of self-improvement.

Just one man stands in the way of Joe Root and cricketing history. With his latest batting masterclass of 150, the England star became the second highest run-scorer in test cricket behind India great Sachin Tendulkar.

Root was given his Test cap by Collingwood in India—and it was no coincidence. Root became the fielder with the most catches in Test cricket. His career is not just an offshoot of its own; it's linked with legends and history.

Joe Root made history during Day 3 of the 4th Test against India, becoming the second highest run-getter in the history of the format.

The elegant Root, 34, is a throwback to a different era of batting, an orthodox "touch" player who does not need to smash the ball around to score quickly. Former England captain Alastair Cook hailed him as "England's greatest" and a "genius" when he surpassed his own record tally of 33 Test hundreds for England last year.

Born in December 1990, more than a year after Sachin Tendulkar made his iconic Test debut in Karachi, England's Joe Root grew up doing what most cricket-loving kids of his generation did -- trying to copy the Little Master.