Root hundred puts England in good position
Joe Root’s magnificent unbeaten century on day one has put England in a good position heading into the second day at Ranchi as they closed on 302-7. Root and England faced significant criticism after a heavy defeat in the third test but Root responded in emphatic style yesterday.
At 112-5, England were under pressure after Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bat first. India debutant Akash Deep took three wickets inside the opening 12 overs of the day. Root’s partnership of 113 with Foakes (47) during the afternoon was important not just in the context of this test match, but potentially the series with England 2-1 down with two matches to go.
Root’s 31st Test hundred came from 219 balls and he became the first man to reach 10 Test centuries against India. His celebrations were a little muted, whilst his teammates certainly enjoyed watching Root in the runs once again. Before yesterday’s innings, he had not passed 37 in the series and was on his longest run without a half-century for two years. England opener Zak Crawley was full of praise for Root’s display.
Joe Root’s (pictured) brilliant century on day one has put England in a good position going into day two
Credit: Ajit Solanki/AP
“We’re so happy for him and we never doubted him.
“If anything we know that when he’s got a couple of low scores he’s even more likely to get a big one and we expected that from him.
“I said beforehand that if we get 280-300, we’re in a very good position so I stand by that – we are ahead of the game.”
On a tricky pitch with unpredictable bounce and significant cracks, demonstrated by Ben Stokes’ dismissal by Ravindra Jadeja which hardly bounced, these first innings runs will be crucial, especially as India will be batting last on this surface.
Ollie Robinson will resume alongside Root on 31 not out. How far can England push on this morning? Play resumes at 4.00am (GMT).