IND vs ENG 4th Test: Joe Root’s Masterclass Century Propels England to 302/7 on Day One in Ranchi

Ranchi:  In a remarkable display of resilience and skill, Joe Root notched up his 31st Test century, steering England from a precarious position to a commanding 302/7 by the end of the first day in the fourth test at Ranchi.

After winning the toss on a challenging pitch that favored the bowlers, England found themselves struggling at 112/5 during the first session. However, Root exhibited his class, forming crucial partnerships with the lower order, including a significant 113-run stand with Ben Foakes (47), which turned the tide in England’s favor.

Root, under pressure before this Test, opted for a more classical approach on a pitch offering assistance to the bowlers. His defensive game allowed for a steady rotation of the strike, and he secured his first half-century of the series. Root proved to be the pivot around which England weathered the storm, facing diverse challenges, including India’s attempts at reverse swing.

Paired with the resilient Ben Foakes, Root carefully navigated the dangers of the pitch. Both batsmen refrained from attempting risky shots like the sweep, adjusting to the low bounce of the surface and working around the spinners.

The day started with a top-order collapse initiated by debutant pacer Akash Deep, who dismissed England’s top three. The pitch kept both spinners and pacers in the game, leading to numerous LBW shouts and reviews. Despite India getting things right initially, England counterattacked with brief but impactful cameos from Zak Crawley and Jonny Bairstow.

As the day progressed, England’s resilience shone through. A watchful Foakes fell just shy of a fifty in the final session, but Root continued to dominate. Mohammad Siraj found some reverse swing to dismiss Foakes and Tom Hartley, but Root remained unfazed.

Root reached his 10th Test century against India with a well-driven boundary and further extended England’s total with an unbeaten 57-run partnership with Ollie Robinson. The day concluded with England posting a challenging total of 302/7.

The match remains finely poised as England will look to build on Root’s heroic innings on Day Two, while India will aim to make early breakthroughs to restrict the visitors.