Joe Root makes history with a magnificent double century in his 100th Test appearance | Cricket News

Root (218) becomes the first man to record a double-cent in their 100th test match, revising Alec Stewart to become England’s third top scorer in test cricket, after a sensational first display in Chennai.

Joe Root produced another virtuoso performance in Chennai (Pic credit – BCCI)

Joe Root’s reaction to his double cent provided a good indication of his current state of mind. After dominating Shahbaz Nadeem for a long time for a spectacular six, Ollie Pope had to remind the England captain of his last leg.

Root’s unwavering focus was an integral part of his majestic debut until 2021. Upon his arrival in Sri Lanka, his status as one of the sport’s ‘fabulous four’ was the subject of speculation, but all skeptics persistent were categorically silenced.

The Yorkshireman is simply in the shape of his life. Fresh off a spectacular show in Sri Lanka, Root entered his fifth double century in test cricket – his third as England captain and second in three weeks – on day two of the first test in Chennai.

Within three weeks, Root reshuffled Sir Geoffrey Boycott, Kevin Pietersen, David Gower and Alec Stewart to become England’s third top scorer in trial cricket.

Graham Gooch is on hand but Sir Alastair Cook remains the man to beat, though the man himself has hailed Root’s exploits in the subcontinent, telling Channel 4: “We’re watching a piece of genius. . “

It was a Test Match hitting masterclass; 377 bullets and nearly nine hours at the crease, and he barely put a foot in the error. Exquisite timing, formidable ingenuity and unyielding discipline.

Root’s skills against spin bowling are unmatched in English cricket – the control and ease with which he handled India’s three-pronged attack on Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar and Nadeem was complete.

His use of the sweep was instrumental in his success in Sri Lanka and this pattern continued in Chennai, as he surpassed Younis Khan by becoming the most prolific drummer with the sweep since recordings began in 2006.

Having thrived in the role of aggressor alongside Dom Sibley, Root was content to play second fiddle to Ben Stokes early on day two, though he continued to run the strike and dictate the pace of proceedings. expertly.

He beat India in submission, evidenced by Virat Kohli’s decision to turn to opener Rohit Sharma in a desperate search for a wicket, despite Rohit’s tally of two test victims with an average of 108 , 5.

So it came as a shock when Root succumbed to Nadeem for 218, but he had already broken a host of records before his departure.

The England captain became the first cricketer to score a double century in his 100th test match, while only Wally Hammond (7) recorded more than double-hundreds for England.

Root also joined Kumar Sangakkara to become the second man to score more than 180 points in three consecutive test matches, after the great Sri Lankan followed two double hundred against Bangladesh with a 192 inning against Australia in 2007.

England captain has made sublime start to eventful 2021 campaign

If that wasn’t enough, halfway through its heats on day two, Root’s average in India topped that of his counterpart – the indomitable Kohli.

“If he continues like this, he will break all records,” said Nasser Hussain. The cricket show.

“He’ll break the number of tests, he’ll break the number of points, but also the way he gets them. It’s not just the points or the stats, it’s the value for your team and your teammates.

“He’s always a joy to watch. Even when he disagrees, you never lose that rhythm of his game. He’s an exceptional cricketer.

“I think he is also an outstanding ambassador for our game and I think we should all be very proud of Joe Root, to have him as cricket captain in England.”

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Nasser Hussain says Joe Root is an ‘outstanding ambassador’ for cricket and could continue to ‘break all records’ after scoring a century in his 100th test match

On the eve of the match, Root admitted he was inspired by a video package and words from Vice-Captain Stokes, insisting he would ‘forever cherish’ the tribute paid to him .

The couple shared a brilliant partnership of 124 for the fourth wicket on day two, and Stokes admitted he was impressed with Root’s record.

Speaking to Channel 4, Stokes joked, “He makes me feel bad. That’s pretty much where he is right now.

“He makes everyone around him not look very good. He’s an amazing player and I’m not sure we’ve ever had an English player playing so well, with such control, a such ease. He’s so consistent and it’s amazing to watch. “

Root has rightly received a lot of praise over the past few weeks, although he refused to get carried away with adulation, so it’s fitting that he marked his historic appearance in such style.

It would be remiss to suggest that Root’s relentless buildup of runs is currently the norm. We are seeing a world class artist at the peak of his powers, but England are hoping that will continue for some time to come.

Follow the text commentary for Day 3 of the first test between India and England on the Sky Sports app and skysports.com on Sunday from 4 a.m.