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

In a game that so often idolises the spectacular and the brash, Joe Root's journey reminds us that true greatness is forged in patience, humility, and the relentless pursuit of self-improvement.

Joe Root scored an impressive 150, moving to second place among leading Test run-scorers, as England built a significant lead over India in the fourth Test.

Joe Root made history during Day 3 of the 4th Test against India, becoming the second highest run-getter in the history of the format.

The elegant Root, 34, is a throwback to a different era of batting, an orthodox "touch" player who does not need to smash the ball around to score quickly. Former England captain Alastair Cook hailed him as "England's greatest" and a "genius" when he surpassed his own record tally of 33 Test hundreds for England last year.

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.