Left Arm Around

Joe Root struck an unbeaten ton in a brilliant return to form as England close 302-7 on day 1 of the 4th Test against India in Ranchi.

His knock of 106 from 226 balls was his 31st Test century in 139 matches.

Root, 33, also became the first man in history to score 10 Test hundreds against India.

After finding themselves in trouble at 112-5 on a lively surface, Root combined superbly with Ben Foakes in a composed partnership of 113.

Surrey’s Foakes fell for a well-made 47 as Siraj had him caught at mid-wicket, but England were able to build further partnerships as Root continued on his merry way with Tom Hartley and Ollie Robinson.

Robinson marked his return to the Test arena with an unbeaten 31 as the tourists calmly guided themselves to the close.

This wasn’t the stereotypical belligerence and bravado we’ve come to know and expect in the ‘Bazball’ era, though England will feel the happier of the two sides having knuckled down and took the more cautious approach.

The absence of the outstanding Jasprit Bumrah certainly had its own impact, but it would never be too long for a batter of Root’s quality to show his undeniable class.

Many a critic believed England could only play one way, yet Root, and to a lesser extent Foakes, proved they can adapt and assess match situations.

Earlier, seamer Akash Deep was very impressive on Test debut.

First removing the in-form Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope in the space of three balls, he returned in his next over to castle the dangerous Zak Crawley for 42.

Jonny Bairstow displayed glimpses of returning to his best with a quick-fire 38, though Ravi Ashwin ended his vigil when the Yorkshireman missed a sweep and was trapped LBW on review.

Captain Ben Stokes will also feel aggrieved by his dismissal- Ravindra Jadeja removing him for just 3 when the ball kept extremely low.

As England look to reach 350 and beyond, the spotlight is then firmly on their bowlers.

Can they extract what India did up top and put the hosts under pressure?

And will the captain give himself a bowl?

Batting last on this surface will be tough, so any sort of first innings lead will be crucial in their quest to level the series…