Day 3 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford saw India’s substitute wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel pull off a moment of brilliance, stumping Joe Root and finally putting an end to the England stalwart’s masterclass. Root, who looked invincible for most of the day, was dismissed for a commanding 150 off 248 deliveries, a knock that featured 14 crisp boundaries and a display of supreme control.

The wicket was not only crucial in halting England’s charge but also broke a massive 150-run stand for the fifth wicket involving Root and stand-in partner Jamie Smith, after captain Ben Stokes retired hurt earlier in the innings. The breakthrough came in the 120th over of England’s first innings. Ravindra Jadeja, who has developed a habit of troubling Root, flighted one outside off stump.

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The ball spun sharply past Root’s bat as he was drawn forward, momentarily losing balance and dragging his back foot outside the crease. Jurel, standing in for the injured Rishabh Pant, reacted sharply behind the stumps and whipped off the bails with precision. It marked the ninth time Jadeja has dismissed Root in Tests — a testament to their riveting on-field rivalry.

Jadeja’s beauty brings down Root’s sublime knock 👌#SonySportsNetwork #GroundTumharaJeetHamari #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings pic.twitter.com/ARpyZtvUif

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 25, 2025

Dhruv Jurel’s sharp glove work came on a day when India was under immense pressure. Root’s 150 had already done the damage, but the wicketkeeper’s moment of magic gave India a much-needed lift. The former England captain also leapfrogged legends Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, and Rahul Dravid in the all-time Test runs list during the knock, moving to second only behind the great Sachin Tendulkar.

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Ben Stokes had earlier looked solid with a gritty 66 before being forced to retire hurt. England’s top order had also chipped in handsomely — Duckett (94), Crawley (84), and Pope (71) all laid a strong foundation.

As of stumps on Day 3, England stood at a commanding 515/5, leading by 157 runs. Jadeja and Washington Sundar were the only Indian bowlers with multiple wickets, but the visitors still face an uphill task heading into Day 4.