Root lauds bowlers after England crush India in first Test

JOE Root could hardly have scripted his 100th Test any better after the England captain led his team to a 227run victory over India yesterday before being named man of the match at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium.

James Anderson displayed his reverse-swing mastery with a threewicket burst in the morning session to effectively snuff out India's hopes of a draw, while left-arm spinner Jack Leach (4/76) then ran through the lower order.

The hosts, who had been set a daunting 420-run victory target, got a fighting 72 from captain Virat Kohli, while opener Shubman Gill scored an elegant 50, but they were bowled out for 192 in the second session of the final day.

The tourists lead the four-match series 1-0, with the second Test set to start on Saturday, again in Chennai.

Root, who smashed 218 in the first innings, said batting first had been key.

“It was a crucial toss and we posted a very good score, and to take 20 wickets in alien conditions ... huge credit to the bowlers,” he added.