Chennai – Congratulations to Joe Root and what a memorable start to the opening Test. A 100 in Joe’s hundredth Test was the headline story on the opening day vs. India.
Before the start of play, Joe received his hundredth Test cap from close friend Ben Stokes.
Joe won the toss and the captain decided to bat on what was a slow flat pitch.
The England openers put on 63 before they lost Rory Burns (33). Without adding to the total England were two down, after Dan Lawrence was adjudged LBW.
Joe then came out to join Dom Sibley (87). Respecting the conditions presented by the pitch, Joe batted with care and caution at the outset. Two centuries in the recent two Test series in Sri Lanka have given Joe a good preparation for India. He picked up where he had left off in Galle, building his innings with confidence. On reaching 79, Joe passed 1500 Test runs against India.
Majestic batting saw Joe reach his first 100 (12 fours) in Chennai off 163 balls. As his innings unfolded and the bowlers tired, Joe’s batting became more expansive, including one six.
At the other end, Sibley gave solid support. Together, the pair added 200 runs for the third wicket, before the opener was given out LBW in the final over of the day.
On day two, Joe will resume on 128no. With England on 263-3, the captain will be asking his team to build on their good start.
(PhoenixMedia Image Created from a Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)