MANCHESTER, England (AP) —  With Sachin Tendulkar in his sights, it was fitting that the 34-year-old Joe Root’s charge up the rankings came against India.

“He’s not a big one for landmarks, but I think that’s a pretty cool one, second highest test runs is incredible,” said England vice-captain Ollie Pope. “I’m sure he knew what the number was (that he needed), but he’s not a guy who wants to shout about it.

“The hunger he has, I wouldn’t be surprised if he chased him (Tendulkar) down.”

On the brightest day yet of this test, Root lapped up the adulation of the crowd, which rose to applaud as he checked off one personal achievement after another.

There was a half-century at lunch, which saw Root move up to third on the runs list, surpassing greats Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis.

His 38th test century came next, and soon he was passing Ponting. Just when thoughts might have been turning towards a double century, he was stumped by substitute keeper Dhruv Jurel off Ravindra Jadeja.

There was more applause and chants of “Rooooot” as he walked to the pavilion, having helped England take control of a match it’s hoping to win to clinch the five-match series, which it leads 2-1.

“The way he goes about his cricket, the way he trains, the amount of runs he’s got, is amazing. He’s a joy to watch and to see how he goes about his stuff. He keeps getting better and better,” said Pope.

The day could have gone very differently had Root not survived nearly being run out on 22, following a miscommunication with Ollie Pope that left him way out of position when Jadeja tried to capitalize.

Before that, he narrowly avoided being out leg before wicket. But that was long forgotten as Old Trafford stood to applaud his latest outstanding performance.