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.

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

The 34-year-old England great scored a majestic 150, registering his 38th Test century and surpassing legends Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket with 13,

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.

Veteran England batter Joe Root notched up his 38th Test ton on Day 3 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester on Friday, July 25.

Joe Root became the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket as he continued his march towards Sachin Tendulkar. Meanwhile, Root revealed how he used to imitate the batting greats during his youth days and how it feels to be in their company now.

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.

Joe Root climbed to second on the all-time list of test run-scorers after hitting a sparkling 38th century on Friday as England hunted a series-clinching win against India.