Ranchi, Feb 23: Veteran Joe Root scored his first century of the Test series against India at the JSCA International Stadium, here on Friday.
It was Root's 10th Test ton against India and the 31st century overall in 139 Test matches.
Powered by his resilient, gritty unbeaten 106, England were 302/7 in 90 overs at stumps on Day 1.
Ollie Robinson, who replaced Mark Wood as the second fast bowler of the side, was unbeaten on 31 in 60 balls. He shared a vital 57 runs 8th wicket partnership with Joe Root.
The other English batters, who impressed on the day were keeper Ben Foakes (47), opener Zak Crawley (42) and out of form Jonny Bairstow (38).
Among the Indian bowlers, debutant Akash Deep from Bengal, grabbed 3 wickets. Mohammed Siraj claimed 2, while spin veterans Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja shared a wicket each.
Joe Root, England's batting mainstay, though had delivered the goods as a part-time spinner in the previous three Tests in Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Rajkot, but was a pale shadow of his potentials as a world-class batsman.
But on Day 1 of the Fourth Test, Root showed no inclination towards his recent fascination for 'Bazball', but was in his old self. He was patient, determined and choosy while picking up the odd balls to score, even though England lost quick wickets at the other end.
In the First Test in Hyderabad, Root scored 29 and 2 in the first and second innings respectively, even though his side has won the tour opener, much to India's shock.
Root's scores in Visakhapatnam were 5 and 16. He could manage only 18 and 7 in Rajkot Test. With India winning the Second and Third Tests and coming back from 0-1 deficit to take a 2-1 lead, he faced severe criticism for the manners in which he got out.
But on Friday, the former England captain proved to the cricketing world and his detractors in particular that it is premature to conclude that he cannot bounce back.
Remind you, Root with his off-spin, has claimed 7 wickets in the previous three Tests.
If Root gets going, then England can certainly hope to bounce back in the five-match series and can even stun India with a 3-2 Test series result, feel his supporters.
While England would love to see him regain his old magic, Indians on the contrary, would always wish he departs early. But on Friday at JSCA Stadium, minus 'Bazball' approach, he slowly and surely brought his side back into the game.
Indians would be aware that the old English war horse Root, can deny them a series win, which still appears very much possible.
At 302/7, England have done well after losing five quick wickets. If Root dazzled for England, Indian debutant right-arm fast bowler Akash Deep impressed too grabbing three English wickets.
It would be interesting to see if India bundle out England before Lunch on Day 2. Otherwise, with Root in the middle, the visitors would definitely have the upper hand and keep India under serious pressure.
Brief Scores at Day 1 Stumps:
England 302/7 (Joe Root 106*, Ollie Robinson 31*, Akash Deep 3/70, Mohd Siraj 2/60).
Match to Continue.
