LOCKDOWN HOMEWORK

CAPTAINS’ UNION: Virat Kohli helps Root overcome cramp how I was getting out at certain times of my innings, and tried to eradicate it.

“I’ve tried to improve things and evolve as a player and it seems to be working nicely.”

It was the England captain’s 20th Test century and his third in four Test innings since the start of the year.

He has now scored a ton in each of his first three Tests of a vital year for him as leader of the England team.

England have to meet India in a home series after this one is finished and also travel Down Under for the Ashes next winter.

The heat in Chennai had Root suffering cramp by the end and he needed help from opposite number Virat Kohli to stretch his legs, even though he has done extra work on his fitness.

“I can assure you this is not a plug but I invested in a Peleton 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 little bit stronger, in particular.”

Former England captain Michael Vaughan described the innings, which became increasingly aggressive, as “the perfect hundred”.