Joe Root becomes First Batsman to completes 3,000* test runs against India

Joe Root etched his name into cricket history during the third Test of the India vs. England series at Lord’s, becoming the first batter to score 3,000 Test runs against India. Alongside Ollie Pope, Root forged a resilient 100+ run partnership that left India’s bowlers struggling to break through on a challenging Lord’s pitch.

This monumental achievement, combined with the duo’s commanding stand, showcased Root’s mastery and highlighted the difficulties faced by India’s bowling attack. In this article, we explore Root’s record-breaking milestone, the dynamics of the Root-Pope partnership, and strategies India can employ to counter such formidable batting displays in the future.

Joe Root’s Historic Milestone: 3,000 Test Runs Against India

Joe Root, England’s batting linchpin, reached the 3,000-run mark against India in his 60th Test innings against them, a feat achieved with a boundary off Nitish Kumar Reddy in the 44th over on Day 1 at Lord’s. This made him the first player in Test cricket history to score 3,000 runs against India, surpassing legends like Ricky Ponting (2,555 runs) and Alastair Cook (2,431 runs). Root’s remarkable record includes 10 centuries and 12 half-centuries against India, with an average of over 57, and his highest score of 218 came in Chennai in 2021. His ability to dominate India across conditions, including 1,272 runs in India at an average of 45.42, underscores his consistency and adaptability.

Root’s milestone wasn’t just a statistical triumph; it was a psychological blow to India, who have faced his brilliance repeatedly. During the Lord’s Test, Root also notched his 13th half-century against India, closing in on Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 68 Test fifties (Root now has 67). His partnership with Ollie Pope, which crossed the 100-run mark, further amplified India’s woes, as the duo rebuilt England’s innings after early setbacks.

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Historical Context: India vs. Big Partnerships at Lord’s

India has faced similar challenges at Lord’s in the past. In 2014, a 214-run stand between Root and Gary Ballance tested India’s bowlers on a flat track. Similarly, in 2021, India’s own batting pair of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane frustrated England with a 100-run partnership. These moments highlight the difficulty of breaking partnerships at Lord’s, where the pitch often favors batters once the initial movement subsides. Root’s 3,000-run milestone and his partnership with Pope in 2025 added another chapter to this narrative, testing India’s resilience.

The Broader Impact of Root’s Milestone

Root’s achievement and the Root-Pope partnership shifted the momentum in England’s favor, putting India under pressure in a crucial World Test Championship series. Root’s ability to dominate India, combined with Pope’s growing confidence, underscores England’s batting depth under their aggressive “Bazball” approach. For India, this moment is a test of their resilience. With Bumrah’s late strikes in the first Test and Akash Deep’s 10-wicket haul at Edgbaston, India has the firepower to fight back.

Joe Root becomes the first player to score 3000 Test runs against India with another half-century at Lord's 💪 pic.twitter.com/RT0cgBxJC0

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 10, 2025

Joe Root’s historic 3,000 Test runs against India, achieved during a 100+ run partnership with Ollie Pope at Lord’s on July 10, 2025, was a defining moment in the third Test. The duo’s stand frustrated India’s bowlers, highlighting the challenges of breaking a settled partnership on a flat pitch. As India looks to regroup, their world-class bowling attack, led by Bumrah, must adapt with smarter tactics and sharper fielding to counter England’s batting might. This Test, part of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, promises more twists, and fans eagerly await India’s response on Day 2.