During the fourth test match in Ranchi, Joe Root set a new world record against India by scoring his 31st century. Root displayed caution by avoiding sweeping shots until facing his 115th delivery on a calm Friday in Ranchi.
In Short
He chose only a reverse sweep as an option to craft a century cautiously for England, saving the day with just 226 balls at a strike rate of 46.90, contrasting starkly with the aggressive style of the era’s legendary batsman, Brendon McCullum.
Century Celebration (watch video)
A pinky promise between Joe Root and Ben Stokes. pic.twitter.com/jQRl86UJ1l
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 23, 2024
Entering the fourth test against India after struggling with low scores, including a mere 18 runs in the first innings at Rajkot, Joe Root sought to rediscover his resolve. Root’s tenacity was brought to light during criticism for trying unorthodox strokes, which sparked discussions about his careless batting style and his inability to consistently bat beyond 50 during the McCullum era.
Joe Root’s traditional batting style
A substantial innings was needed from the 33-year-old cricketer to counter these thoughts. He had to revert to his traditional batting style, curbing his tendency for flashy strokes, which he managed to control on Friday.
Root’s 31st test century, with just nine boundaries, showcased unwavering focus despite the absence of explosive strokes. As he surpassed the three-figure mark, Root not only set a new record against India but also became the player with the most centuries against India in Test history.
Here’s a list of batsmen with the most three-figure scores against Indian teams:
10 – Joe Root
9 – Steve Smith
8 – Gary Sobers
8 – Viv Richards
8 – Ricky Ponting
Inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin’s dismissal of England’s Johnny Bairstow proved crucial as he reached a unique milestone. In a Test match against England, the off-spinner made cricket history by becoming the first player from India to reach over a thousand runs and take 100 wickets. In a larger sense, Ashwin joined the ranks of Australia’s Monty Noble, West Indies’ Gary Sobers, and George Giffen as the only other player to accomplish this accomplishment.
Ashwin became the seventh player to accomplish this feat against any opponent, thus solidifying his reputation in Test cricket. He was the first Indian to accomplish this feat once again.
Also Read : “Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Century & Sudden Injury: Concerns for Team India in 3rd Test”
Dream Debut for Akash Deep
While Joe Root shone for England, fast bowler Akash Deep led India’s charge on the first day of the fourth Test. The debutant made an impressive start, disrupting England’s top order with three quick wickets – Ben Duckett (13), Ollie Pope (0), and Jack Crawley (42).
Replacing India’s star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the eleventh, the stakes were high for the Bengal speedster. Despite the pressure of the occasion, Akash Deep’s nerves didn’t affect his bowling, and despite bowling a no-ball on the delivery that took Crawley’s wicket, he made a strong comeback to dismantle the English top order.
At 27, Akash Deep joined the likes of Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, and Dhruv Jurel as India’s fourth debutant in the series.
