Ranchi, India: Joe Root defied the odds and silenced doubters with a magnificent unbeaten century on Day 1 of the 4th Test against India, rescuing England from a precarious position and setting them up for a strong total in Ranchi.
A Gritty Hero Emerges: After losing wickets at regular intervals, England were staring down the barrel at 145/5 when Joe Root walked in. The former captain displayed remarkable composure, patiently negotiating the challenging pitch and absorbing the Indian bowling attack’s pressure. He built partnerships with Ollie Pope and Ben Foakes, gradually taking control of the innings.
Records Tumble: Joe Root’s 106* not out wasn’t just a crucial knock for England, it was also a historic one. It marked his 31st Test century, putting him level with Alastair Cook for most hundreds by an England batsman. But that wasn’t all. This century also saw him surpass Cook’s record to become England’s leading run-scorer across all formats, with a staggering 19,014 runs to his name.
India Left Frustrated: The Indian bowlers, who had started the day brightly, were left to rue missed opportunities. Despite taking crucial wickets, they couldn’t dislodge the determined Joe Root, who batted throughout the day to frustrate their plans.
England in the Driver’s Seat: At stumps, England find themselves in a commanding position at 302/7. With Root and Ollie Robinson (31*) at the crease, they will be looking to build on their solid foundation and post a big first-innings total on Day 2.
Key Points:
- Joe Root scores an unbeaten century (106*) to rescue England from a precarious position.
- This century is Root’s 31st in Test cricket, equaling Alastair Cook’s record for England.
- Root also surpasses Cook to become England’s leading run-scorer across all formats (19,014 runs).
- England end Day 1 at 302/7 with a strong hold on the match.
Looking Ahead:
Day 2 promises to be an exciting day of cricket. Can Root continue his heroics and guide England to a mammoth total? Or will the Indian bowlers find a way to break through and get back into the contest? Only time will tell.
Joe Root Records: A Deeper Dive
Test Cricket:
- Matches: 138 (as of Feb 24, 2024)
- Runs: 11,493 (England’s leading run-scorer across all formats)
- Average: 49.32
- Highest Score: 254 (against India, Chennai 2021)
- Centuries: 31 (joint-most for England with Alastair Cook)
- Double Centuries: 6
- Captaincy: Captained England in 64 Tests, winning 27 and losing 26 (most matches and wins as England captain)
Recent Form:
- Last 5 Tests: Scored 245 runs with an average of 49, with one century (106* against India in Ranchi)
- 2023: Scored 1,396 runs in 11 Tests with an average of 55.84, with 5 centuries.
- 2022: Scored 947 runs in 11 Tests with an average of 44.13, with 3 centuries.
Overall, Root is statistically one of the greatest England batsmen in Test history. His recent form has been solid, and he continues to be a vital part of the English batting line-up. His century in Ranchi is a testament to his ability to perform under pressure and deliver in crucial moments.
Additional Participation:
- One-Day Internationals (ODIs): 171 matches, 6,522 runs, 47.60 average, 16 centuries.
- Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is): 59 matches, 1,278 runs, 35.11 average, 1 century.
While primarily known for his Test exploits, Root has also been a successful batsman in ODIs and T20Is. He was a key member of the England team that won the 2019 Cricket World Cup.
In conclusion, Joe Root is a truly remarkable batsman with a proven track record of success across all formats. His recent century against India is a reminder of his talent and determination, and he is sure to continue breaking records and contributing to English cricket for many years to come.
