SHEER MAGIC
Root grabs milestone ton after Ed tribute
JOE ROOT tuned up for a milestone century in his 100th Test by listening to video messages from stars like Ed Sheeran and Harry Kane.
It was all part of a special evening with his England team-mates to mark the personal milestone.
Others appearing in the video were London Olympics golden girl Jessica Ennis-hill, Masters winner Danny Willett and Ryder Cup hero Lee Westwood.
But the best messages of all came from each and every living England cricketer who has played more than 100 Tests, as well as from his family, mum and dad Helen and Matt, brother Billy, wife Carrie and their kids.
Grandad Don had the last word, saying: “Hiya Joe, well done on the 100th Test and great start to the new season. I don’t know about you, mate, but I’m looking forward to the next 100, cheers!”
As part of the celebrations team-mate Ben Stokes made a rousing speech in tribute to his captain as he presented him with his 100th cap.
Then to continue the festivities, Root hit his 20th Test ton as he and Dom Sibley added 200 for the third wicket in energy-sapping conditions in Chennai to give England a magnificent start to their challenging series against the red-hot Indians.
Entering the fray at 63-2 following the dismissals of Rory Burns and Dan Lawrence in quick succession, Root had the expectant weight of a team and a nation on his shoulders.
But even with the emotion of the game, and size of the task, he produced an innings of sublime quality that only the very best are capable of, on the back of his 186 and 228 in Sri Lanka last month.
“I knew coming into it that I felt in good touch and my game feels in a good place,” said Root. “You have to make the most of that.
“I know that if I can just spend time out things will get easier. Just slowly try and construct an innings.”
And of the previous night’s entertainment, he said: “I had a wonderful evening with the lads.”
Sibley was unlucky to fall to the last ball of the day from Indian pace star Jasprit Bumrah, playing in his 18th Test but his first at home.
The opener ground out a valuable 87 and former
England captain Alastair
Cook said: “He showed real determination and character.
“He is never going to be a Joe Root, fleet of foot. He is a bit more plodding but it’s a way, a method.” there,