Tendulkar trip still vivid in Root’s mind
leeds — Joe Root can still remember his sense of disappointment when he first came to watch a Test at Headingley in the hope of seeing Sachin Tendulkar bat only for the India great to spend most of the day in the dressing room.
“I remember coming here as a young boy watching Yorkshire in a Roses game,” said 26-year-old Root.
“Obviously I wanted to be a part of it straight away. The first Test match (I saw at Headingley) was against India.
“I think they only lost one wicket all day, India. I was desperate for Sachin to get in.”
In 2002, India piled up a mammoth 628 for eight declared, with Tendulkar — Yorkshire’s first overseas player — making 193 in an innings where both Rahul Dravid (148) and Sourav Ganguly (128) also scored hundreds.
Unfortunately for those wanting to see the ‘Little Master’ bat on the first day, Tendulkar had barely got going on 18 not out at stumps.
India went on to win the match by an innings and 46 runs.
“I’ve watched a lot of cricket over the years here and now to get the opportunity to lead England here is obviously very special,” said Root.
“To be at home, a place where I’ve played a lot of cricket, grown up learning the game, watching the game, it means a lot,” added Root, born and brought up in the nearby city of Sheffield.
Friday’s match will be the first time Root, who took over as Test captain for the recent 3-1 home series win over South Africa, has led England out at his Yorkshire home ground. —