Majestic Root seizes the initiative in Manchester
The duo opened their arms and helped England pick pace after the first hour, having been watchful while India's Jasprit Bumrah was in operation earlier. England sped past 300 in the 67th over, closing in towards India's total of 358.
By Lunch, both batters had reached their individual half-centuries, and England trailed India by 26 runs with eight wickets intact.
The second session saw more England domination, with Joe Root taking the lead after the spin of Washington Sundar yielded two quick wickets in the form of Pope, who fell after a brilliant knock of 71, and Harry Brook.
But England were back in business as Root continued his golden run.
Root crossed a 1000 runs on the Old Trafford Ground, and also brought up his 38th Test ton, levelling him with Kumar Sangakkara in the all-time list. In the 101st over, he crossed the mark of 120, making him the second-highest run-getter in the format. Root achieved this landmark in his 157th Test, overtaking Rahul Dravid (13,288), Jacques Kallis (13,289) and Ricky Ponting (13,378) in the same innings.
Now the batter sits behind only India's Sachin Tendulkar (15,291 Test runs).
Root found good support in Stokes, who continued his stellar run after a brilliant five-wicket haul in the first innings.
At Tea on Day 3, England led by 75 runs with six wickets at their disposal.
The hosts continued to make merry in the final session, extending their lead past 100 as India's bowling proved ineffective in large passages of play. The tourists had a brief respite after Ben Stokes retired hurt at 66 due to cramps.
Breakthrough followed soon after when England had extended their advantage to 141. Root finally fell after a majestic 150, getting stumped off Jadeja.
India's pacers struck in the final hour, but Stokes returned to arrest the slide and ensure that England would still be batting on Day 4. The hosts lead by 186 runs.
Having made the most of good batting conditions and furthered their advantage massively, England will look to have a go at India with the ball on Day 4 of the Test.
Leading the series 2-1, England need a win to claim the five-game series. ICC World Test Championship, 2025/27Men's NewsNewsJoe Root
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