England showed their fighting spirit on Day 1 of the Ranchi Test against India, clawing their way back from early jitters to post a competitive 302/7 on the board. The foundation for this comeback was laid by a monumental century from Joe Root (106*), his 29th in Test cricket, who stood firm against India’s bowling attack.
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Electing to bat first, England’s innings began on a shaky note. Young openers Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope’s fell cheaply to Akash Deep’s pace, followed by Jonny Bairstow’s dismissal to Ravichandran Ashwin’s spin. With the score at a precarious 109/4, the duo of Root and Ben Foakes had a massive task ahead.
Ash gets a century against England… of wickets!#IDFCFirstBankTestSeries #BazBowled #JioCinemaSports pic.twitter.com/X2wxTkk7xL
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) February 23, 2024
The pair cautiously rebuilt the innings, stitching together a crucial 113-run partnership. Foakes, however, couldn’t convert his start into a big score, falling to Mohammed Siraj. Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes provided some resistance before their dismissals put England in another spot of bother.
But this is where Joe Root truly took center stage. The Yorkshire batsman played a masterclass in resilience, anchoring the innings with his trademark blend of patience and aggression. He rotated the strike efficiently, punishing loose deliveries with exquisite stroke-making. His 219-ball century was a masterclass in concentration and composure, reminding everyone why he’s regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world.
With this ton, Joe Root came back in form. His last came way back in 2023 against Australia. Now he has smashed the 31st century of his career and the 10th against India. Root surpassed Steve Smith’s record of 9 centuries against India. Root took 52 innings to break this record.
Ollie Robinson provided valuable support at the other end, playing a gritty innings of 31* and adding a crucial 57 runs for the 8th wicket with Root. Their partnership ensured England ended the day on a positive note, exceeding the 300-run mark.
For India, Akash Deep impressed with his early burst, claiming three wickets. However, they were unable to break through Root’s resolute defense, with Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja picking up two wickets each.
A reverse swing masterclass ft. Siraj 🔥
The 🇮🇳 pacer sends Tom Hartley 𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜! 🤩#IDFCFirstBankTestSeries #BazBowled #JioCinemaSports#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/qQFpOlX0xn
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) February 23, 2024
The match hangs in the balance with three days remaining. England will be aiming to build on their strong first-innings total, while India will look to strike early and restrict the visitors’ lead. Root’s century has given England a fighting chance, but they need more contributions from their lower order to put themselves in a commanding position.
Highlights of IND vs ENG 4th Test Day 1:
- England: 302/7 (Joe Root 106*, Ollie Robinson 31*)
- Top Scorer: Joe Root (England) – 106
- Leading Wicket-Taker: Akash Deep (India) – 3 wickets
