IND vs ENG 4th Test: ‘Sure he’ll be pushed’ – Ollie Pope backs Joe Root to chase down Sachin Tendulkar for most Test runs | Cricket News

TimesofIndia.com in Manchester: Ollie Pope was all smiles on the finish of Day 3 in Manchester as he spoke warmly about Joe Root’s brilliance with the bat and Ben Stokes’ resilience with the ball. England had ended the day on 544 for 7, main India by 186 runs within the fourth Test. “Rooty’s knock was exactly what the team needed,” Pope stated. “He is a joy to watch. The way he keeps stepping up, it’s just incredible. Last four or five years, he’s hit a ridiculous number of hundreds. He just keeps getting better.” Root’s innings of 150 was not only a main second within the match but additionally a historic one. It took him previous Ricky Ponting on the all-time listing of Test run-scorers. Only Sachin Tendulkar is now forward. “He’s not a massive one for milestones,” Pope stated with fun. “But that’s a cool one — second most Test runs. I’m sure he was aware.” When requested about Root probably catching Tendulkar’s file, Pope didn’t rule it out. “The way he’s batting, I’m sure he’ll be driven to be No.1. He’s got the hunger.” Pope additionally provided a health replace on Stokes, who had briefly retired harm due to cramps. “He’s okay. Just cramping a bit. The amount he’s bowled and pushed himself — serious limits. But he’ll be good to go tomorrow.”

Pope had earlier partnered Root in a 144-run stand earlier than being dismissed for 71. The right-hander was filled with admiration for the way in which England’s senior gamers have been taking cost in a probably series-clinching Test. With Root rewriting data and Stokes soldiering on, England look properly positioned to press residence their benefit at Old Trafford.