Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has heaped praise on Joe Root following England’s batter Joe Root in the fourth test against India at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Root’s innings on day three moved England to 544 runs for seven and elevated him past Ponting into second place on the all-time Test run scorers list, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar.

Speaking after the match, Ricky Ponting praised Root’s classical technique and unflappable temperament. Ponting said that Joe Root doesn’t play for the numbers, but when his career is over, he’ll be proud of every reason he played for.

“He is elegant, stylish, hungry. He has made it clear he is not one for stats and numbers, and you are not when you are playing, but when you finish, you can be proud of what you have achieved,” said Ricky Ponting.

Joe Root dominated on day 03 at Old Trafford with a brilliant 150 off 248 deliveries, leading England to a commanding 186-run first innings lead over India who scored only 258 runs in their first innings.

Retired fast bowler Stuart Broad who played several tests with Root, also heaped praise on his former team after another stellar test performance, lauding his composure and class during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

“He played beautifully today to go past Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting (and become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket), bringing up another hundred that he will hope wins the game,” Broad said.

“I was out for dinner with him last night and he was incredibly relaxed, enjoying his cricket, and there are certainly no signs of him stopping. He has a huge hunger for scoring runs,” Broad added.

England seized control and now have a chance to capitalize on the favourable batting conditions to press their advantage further on Day 04.

With Ben Stokes and lower order to bat, England will be aiming to put a dominant total against India and push for a series sealing win.