Root celebrates his landmark Test with a masterful century

England captain Joe Root reeled off another superb century to crown his 100th Test appearance in style on day one of his side’s series opener against India yesterday.

Root arrived at his milestone appearance in wonderful form, with masterful knocks of 228 and 186 in his previous two outings against Sri Lanka, and he was untouchable once more as he rose to the occasion.

Only nine other men in history have chalked up such an achievement, with Root following in the footsteps of fellow Englishmen Sir Colin Cowdrey and Alec Stewart.

That the special moment arrived in a deserted stadium, due to unavoidable Covid restrictions, was a shame but one that was easily mitigated by the fact that it unfolded on free-to-air television.

With Channel 4 returning to the Test cricket fray for the first time since the 2005 Ashes, this was Root’s first ever innings in front of a terrestrial audience and the 30-year-old put his best foot forward for any newcomers.

His efforts helped England to 227 for two, having arrived at the crease with just 63 on the board before the lunch break.

Opener Dom Sibley was a steadfast foil at the other end, grinding out a methodical and invaluable 83 not out as the pair shared a stand of 165 and counting.

Root savoured his third three-figure score in his last three Tests but insists there can be no let-up in his or England’s intensity as they seek to put pressure on India.

“It’s a very special day,” he said.

“To play the way we have is a really impressive start but it’s just a start. It’s really important we go into tomorrow and back it up. To get off to things as we have done.

“It’s a good start but we’ve got to make sure we get a really big firstinnings lead.”

The Yorkshireman has been in outstanding form this year, already amassing 554 runs at an average of 138.5, and he acknowledged some time away from the sport recently has allowed him to work on some aspects of his game.

“I’ve really used that lockdown period to have a look at a few things; technically and mentally as well, I had a chat with a few people and it’s really benefited me,” he added.

“You always have to keep looking to evolve as a player and I’m benefiting from that currently and I’m sure there will be more challenges and things thrown in front of me in the near future that I’ll have to overcome.”

Joe Root doesn’t hide his delight at his century.