Trent Bridge – Joe Root was the class act on the fourth day of the opening Test.
Joe made a fluent century to give England a squeak of defeating India on the final day.
Yet, victory was a far off prospect during the morning. The habit of starting poorly again hung over England’s second innings.
At 46-2, and still 49 runs behind India, captain Joe came out to bat with his team in difficulty.
Throughout his 172 balls at the crease, Joe gave a lesson in fluent and effective batting.
Exquisite drives and late cuts flowed from Joe’s bat. While his quick running between the wickets kept the scoreboard moving.
Joe was the one England batter to build an innings – others, failed to capitalise on good starts.
Since the start of 2021 Joe has scored over 950 Test runs. Just before reaching his half-century, he passed 1000 runs in Tests for the year.
Joe’s century came off 154 balls. England supporters acclaiming Joe’s 100 knew they had witnessed a special innings.
Once India took the new ball, the complexation of the Test altered. With the new ball in hand, Shardul Thakur claimed Joe’s wicket, after he was adjudged LBW for 109.
During his time at the crease, Joe had helped England from 46-2 to 274-7.
Fifty-six runs later, England were all out for 303.
At close, India had reached 52-1, setting up an interesting last day – weather permitting.
(PhoenixMedia Image Created from a Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)