Joe Root brilliantly set alight the cricket world with a sensational knock on Day two of the 1st Test against India. He went on to score a blistering 150 runs! This phenomenal innings ensured that England had a firm grip on the match. It moved him to second place on the all-time Test run-scorers’ list. Root’s century, his 38th in Test cricket, showcased his exceptional skill and adaptability, particularly against India’s spin bowlers.
That final was played at the hallowed Eden Gardens in Kolkata. There, Root dominated with the bat in a mesmeric exhibition of strokeplay. He amassed runs with an impressive arsenal of shots including a few nudges, thumping cover drives and breathtaking reverse sweeps. He countered that with expert navigation and mastery over Indian bowling attack. His hundred itself was brought up with a beautiful flick to fine leg, another landmark in what’s already been a splendid career.
As the day progressed, Root took three overs to move from 98 to 100, highlighting both the pressure he faced and his determination to reach the landmark. He battled cramps while finishing out his innings, including his home run trot. His patience gave way by the time Ravindra Jadeja stumped him to end all.
By the close of play, Root had reached 150 runs and was not out alongside Liam Dawson, who provided valuable support. The duo’s partnership was instrumental in putting their side in a commanding position going into the final day of the Test match. Earlier in the day, Root had built an impressive 142-run partnership with Ben Stokes. Sadly, Stokes had to retire hurt on 66 due to cramp.
Root’s innings took advantage of a critical moment when Indian captain Shubman Gill delayed introducing Washington Sundar into the bowling attack. This decision made it easy for Root to settle into his rhythm and construct his innings with authority. He had a bit of luck on his way in the match as well, with wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel dropping him on 48. Once again, that would be a very costly mistake for the Indian side.
In doing so, Joe Root has closed the distance to Sachin Tendulkar’s total down to 2,512 runs. He’s on the verge of becoming Test cricket’s all-time leading run-scorer! Should he maintain his current scoring rate, experts predict that he could reach this historic milestone within just 25 more Tests.
Michael Vaughan commented on Root’s performance, stating, “All the headlines, rightfully, will be about Joe Root, but today was another lesson in showing how Bazball is maturing – especially at the start of play when England knew they had to win that first hour.”
Sir Alastair Cook adding his voice to the debate about the detrimental effect of Root’s batting style on the game as a whole. He noted, “The people who will benefit the most from this way of batting is the bowlers because they have had their feet up all day and tomorrow when the bowlers come out to the middle, they can hit the deck hard and get the most out of it.”
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