Table of Contents
England‘s stalwart batter, Joe Root, broke his run drought in style by notching his 31st century in Test cricket during the opening day of the fourth Test against India in Ranchi.
Joe Root stand tall in England’s first innings
Root’s innings displayed resilience, especially after England found themselves struggling at 112/5. Despite his earlier struggles to cross the 50-run mark in the ongoing series, Root showcased his class by steering England’s innings after the early setbacks.
Root’s milestone century not only marked a personal triumph but also a historic feat against India. With this ton, Root now holds the record for the most Test centuries against India, a remarkable achievement in his illustrious career. Root’s innings came at a crucial juncture for England, particularly as he stepped up to the crease following the dismissals of Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope.
Root frustrates India’s bowling attack
In a departure from England’s aggressive approach, Root opted for a more traditional batting style, focusing on building his innings patiently. His robust defense frustrated the Indian bowlers, allowing him to accumulate runs steadily. Root reached to fifty in 108 deliveries before completing his century off 219 balls, showcasing his ability to adapt to the demands of the game.
Root’s unbeaten knock played a pivotal role as England concluded the day’s play at 302/7, providing a solid foundation for their innings. Notably, India’s debutant Akash Deep made an impressive mark by claiming three wickets for the hosts.
Also WATCH: Mohammed Siraj bowls a jaffa to clean up Tom Hartley on Day 1 of the Ranchi Test – IND vs ENG, 4th Test
Former and current cricketers, fans and experts of the game applauded Root for his gritty knock in England’s first innings.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
This is the Joe Root mode that win you Test matches! Glue mode. Let the rest play Bazz Ball.
Good start from India. Good fight from Eng. Setting up for a good Test match
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) February 23, 2024
This is the root, world cricket fears! #INDvENG #joeroot pic.twitter.com/BZUGzemmMx
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) February 23, 2024
Joe Root is the first player to smash 10 Test centuries against India#cricket #INDvsENG #JoeRoot #Tests #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/f0IHLKhDm6
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 23, 2024
Joe Root 😍
A magnificent century for @englandcricket 👏#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/3zW5VStTy0
— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) February 23, 2024
Things You Love To See 💙🙌
💯 up for Joe Root
Congratulations Rooty! #YorkshireFamily pic.twitter.com/AaFLRu5Eyz
— Yorkshire CCC (@YorkshireCCC) February 23, 2024
Love a bit of Root Ball .. 😜 #INDvsENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 23, 2024
Excellent fightback from England due largely to Joe Root showing once again what a fine player he is when he cooks a normal dish and does away with exotic sauces. I think the game is even at this stage.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 23, 2024
This is more like the Joe Root we know. Can't keep such a class player quiet for long.
PS: Two 'scoops' of ice cream for Joe at stumps please 😉 Well played @root66 👏🏽 #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/yLiQQcqHoF— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 23, 2024
There probably won’t be as much discussion and scrutiny about all the shots in Joe Root’s century combined as there was about one shot in Rajkot. Hell of a response, helluva 💯. 🫡 #INDvENG
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) February 23, 2024
Typical Joe Root 💯 not bazball. Solid inning on this pitch. #INDvENG
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 23, 2024
JOE ROOT IS BACK…!!!!
– There were lots of outside noises, on his form & shot selection but today when England was in big trouble, Root has returned and scored a fantastic fifty. 👌🫡 pic.twitter.com/VovUZuW5Q1
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 23, 2024
Joe Root should be proud of this 100 – an anti dote to Bazball
His 31st overall, and 10th vs India#IndvsEng— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) February 23, 2024
Hundred No. 3️⃣1️⃣ for Joe Root in Tests 👏#WTC25 #INDvENG 🔗: https://t.co/cueW7LDtCz pic.twitter.com/1GzH7imsGS
— ICC (@ICC) February 23, 2024