Manchester: ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting believes Joe Root is en route to overtaking his run tally in Test cricket on Day 3 of the Manchester Test.
Root, who finished unbeaten at the score of 11 on Day 2 against India, is 108 runs behind Ponting in the all-time Men’s Test cricket run charts.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the third day’s play at Old Trafford, Ponting said, “If he keeps going on like this, that could very well happen today."
“It’s a great day for batting and what a remarkable career it's been for Joe. How he's transformed from someone that couldn't go on past fifty to hundreds. Now it seems like every time he gets to fifty, you just mark him down for a hundred, or a big hundred," he said.
“Just looking at some of the numbers, 37 Test match hundreds, 13000 runs, what an amazing career to-date,” Ponting said.
Root is currently the fifth-highest run-getter in the longest format – 18 runs behind Rahul Dravid and 19 runs behind Jacques Kallis, who are fourth and third, respectively, an ICC report said.
Ponting also added that there is more to come from Root, and that the England talisman can also overtake Sachin Tendulkar as the all-time run scorer in the format.
“There's still a fair bit to go. What is he, 35? Doesn't look like his passion for the game is going anywhere," he said.
“His run-scoring passion has probably gone up over the years. Can he chase down Sachin? Let's see. He might as well do that,” Ponting added.
England are currently leading 2-1 in the five-match ICC World Test Championship series.
