London, Aug. 3 -- England's talismanic batter Joe Root became the first player in the World Test Championship history to cross the 6000-run threshold after another clinical masterclass on the fourth day of the fifth Test against India at Kennington Oval.

Root, a maestro at work, with his robust technique and sublime drives, enchanted the spectators as his name reverberated throughout the stadium under London's gloomy sky. He left no stone unturned to frustrate India seamers, bereft of his regular tormentor's company, Jasprit Bumrah.

He stayed unruffled during England's pursuit of a 374-run target and added another feather to his cap by crossing 6,000 runs during his 69th Test appearance in the tournament. With 20 centuries and 23 fiftie...