I’ll never forget Stokes’ words
give me inspiration and I will remember that.”
It was certainly the personal words from England all-rounder Stokes that resonated most with the skipper as he reeled off another stunning century to end the opening day unbeaten on 128.
“I think that should stay between the two of us and the group but Ben is a fine human being,” said Root. “It was really nice of him to go out of his way to say some very special things that I will hold dear forever.
“The guys actually put a little surprise together for me – some videos from some past players, some friends and family.
“They made it very special for me and I really appreciate it.
“But thankfully when I got out there I knew it was business as normal and I had a job to do.”
Root hit his 20th Test hundred as the captain shared an outstanding partnership of 200 with opener Dom Sibley for the third wicket in the energy-sapping heat of Chennai.
The two men joined forces with the tourists in a spot of bother on 63-2 after winning the toss and electing to bat.
By the close, however, England were sitting pretty on 263-3, with Sibley having been trapped lbw for 87 by paceman Jasprit Bumrah off the last ball of the day.
Root began to cramp up by the end – in spite of the extra work he has been doing on his fitness – and needed help from opposing skipper Virat Kohli to stretch his legs.
“I can assure you this is not a plug but I invested in a Peloton [bike] and have been doing a lot of work on that,” added Root.
“I am also trying to make my back a little bit more manageable and make my legs and backside a bit stronger.”