ENG vs IND 2025: Joe Root closes in on Test feat held by Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis

Former English skipper, Joe Root, has an opportunity to come on level terms with legends Ricky Ponting and Jacques Kallis during the second Test of the five-match series against India.

Root, who has 102 fifty-plus scores in Tests at the moment, is just one short of equalling Ponting and Kallis. Only Sachin Tendulkar with 119 possesses more fifty-plus scores in the red-ball game. The 34-year-old registered scores of 28 and 53* in the series opener, and would be aiming to unlock another milestone in his legendary Test career.

Most 50-plus scores in Tests:

*before commencement of second England-India Test (2025)

England secured a 1-0 lead in the series by winning the opening game by five wickets at Headingley. It was a clinical performance by the hosts, who, despite giving up a slender lead, held a tight grip on the match. They ended up chasing a massive 371 to emerge victorious.

Ben Duckett secured the Player of the Match award for his 62 and 149. Another notable performers from the English unit were Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, and Josh Tongue.

The Stokes-led outfit would be keen on doubling their lead at Edgbaston. They announced their XI a couple of days prior to the commencement of the second Test. The management has showed confidence in the sqaud which featured in the first match.

On the other hand, India would have to work hard on implementing certain aspects to perfection in order to compete with England. Shubman Gill & Co. would be aiming to put in a much better performance and compete better against a buoyant English side.