England Test skipper Joe Root continued his superlative form as he played a masterclass knock to lead his side from the front in the first Test against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Root and Dominic Sibley shared a 150+ run stand for the third wicket to take England to the driver’s seat in the opening Test.
England made an outstanding start putting on a 50+ run partnership for the first wicket after opting to bat first. But India came back right at the stroke of lunch with two quick wickets which brought Joe Root in the middle and since then, he has been spot on with the bat.
The English skipper came back from a double century and a hundred against Sri Lanka and backed it with another magnificent ton in the first Test which also happens to be his 100th Test match. Root played all shots in the book from driving to playing the backfoot punch to sweeping to keep the Indian spinners at bay.
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Joe Root scores his third consecutive century
He stitched a terrific partnership with Dominic Sibley to take England out of the trouble and put a respectable score on the board. Sibley looked comfortable against Indian bowlers and played a second fiddle to Joe Root, who took the attacker’s role as soon as he got used to the turn and bounce the wicket was offering.
Joe Root is the first cricketer to score a century in his 98th, 99th, and 100th Test and is only the ninth cricketer overall and third Englishmen to score a century on their 100th Test match. Meanwhile, banking on his hundred and an 80+ score from Dominic Sibley, England have already registered 230 runs for the loss of two wickets to dominate the day’s play so far.
Meanwhile, soo after Root reached the three-figure mark with a slight leg-glance off Washington Sundar, the social media platform was ablaze. Cricketers from all across the globe bowed their heads in front of Joe Root’s masterclass.
Apart from a close run-out chance early on in his innings, the English skipper completely dominated the proceedings throughout his 150+ ball stay in the middle. This is Joe Root’s 20th Test century and fifth against India.
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Here are the Twitter reactions:
A century in a 100th test for @root66. He has been magnificent. Love how he has targetted bowlers.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 5, 2021
Great way to start the series, skipper leading from the front and showing the way! Well played @root66 👏 100 in 100th test👌 #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/LJrEqw7kUi
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 5, 2021
Magnificent 100 in his 100th Test for @root66 Its been a Subcontinent masterclass yet again. Loved his technique and approach especially against Spinners. #INDvsENG #class #leadingfromthefront
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) February 5, 2021
Root’s got a third ton in as many Tests. This one’s possibly more significant than the two scored v Sri Lanka. India far stronger opponent, playing at home and pumped up after the magnificent victory over Australia
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) February 5, 2021
💯 for Root in his 100th Test. Played skip 🧹 #INDvENG
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) February 5, 2021
England captain @root66 healthily distracting kids from homeschooling everywhere in the UK. 💯 in his 100th Test, and in India to boot. It’s an education of its own 👏🏼 #CricketOn4
— Alison Mitchell (@AlisonMitchell) February 5, 2021
Different level @root66 !!! #INDvENG #Rrrroooooootttttttt
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 5, 2021
100 in the 100th test enjoying the ride on ROOT 66!
Perfect innings, for a perfect occasion for a perfect bloke!#INDvENG #Cricket— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) February 5, 2021
Make a hundred in the first innings of a series was very much Ricky Pontings mantra. Massive statement from @root66 #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/KenBTuN0Pu
— simon hughes (@theanalyst) February 5, 2021
Congratulations @root66 A hundred in his #100thtest .. Quality knock ..3rd in Consecutive test. Well played !!
— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) February 5, 2021
