NEW DELHI: Joe Root's century in the fourth Test, which defied the Bazball, was praised by England legend Alastair Cook, who also made the inevitable comparison with India captain Rohit Sharma.
Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test in Ranchi saw the 33-year-old Root come back to form with an undefeated 122, lifting England to 353 in their first innings after they had been reduced to 112 for 5 in the morning session.
"When you see someone go through a little trouble, it's always great to see them out the other end. When great players don't score runs it's only a matter of time until they do," Cook told TNT Sport after day 1 on Friday.
"What Joe Root did today (Friday) was go back to basics. This is a clip of someone with the shots you'd expect Joe Root to play (Cook was speaking while a video of Root's innings was being played). All the talk about the reverse scoop being unusual, this is a very typical Joe innings.
1/10:4th Test: Akash Deep shines on debut amid Joe Root's rescue ton on Day 1
TIMESOFINDIA.COM
2/10:Root's Resilient Century
<p>England's veteran batsman, Joe Root, showcased his class with a tenacious century, anchoring the team to a total of 302 for 7 on the opening day of the fourth Test against India.</p>Reuters
3/10:Akash Deep's Stunning Debut
<p>Debutant Akash Deep, a 27-year-old Bengal pacer from Bihar, made an impactful entry into Test cricket, picking up three crucial wickets in a sensational maiden spell.</p>Reuters
4/10:Early Jolts by Akash Deep
<p>Akash Deep troubled England's top-order, claiming the top three wickets in just 10 balls during the first session, leaving the visitors reeling at the hands of his pace and accuracy.</p>Reuters
5/10:Root's Change in Approach
<p>After the initial setbacks, Joe Root adopted a more conservative approach, steering away from the 'Bazball' style, and played a waiting game, ultimately achieving his 31st Test century.</p>Reuters
6/10:Record Against India
<p>Root's century marked his 10th against India, a significant contribution at a crucial juncture for England, who are trailing in the series after consecutive losses in Visakhapatnam and Rajkot.</p>Reuters
7/10:Bumrah's absence hands Root a breather
<p>The absence of rested pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah gave Root breathing space, allowing him to play spinners on the back foot and navigate the variable bounce of the pitch.</p>Reuters
8/10:Foakes and Root's Partnership
<p>Wicketkeeper-batter Ben Foakes played a vital role in England's recovery, forming a crucial 113-run partnership with Root and frustrating the Indian bowlers.</p>Reuters
9/10:Siraj's Impact
<p>Mohammed Siraj provided the much-needed breakthrough, dismissing Foakes and Tom Hartley, contributing to India's effort to limit England's progress on the day.</p>Reuters
10/10:Challenges for Indian Bowlers
<p>Despite a strong start, Indian bowlers faced challenges as the pitch flattened out in the post-lunch session, forcing them to work harder for wickets.</p>Reuters"Slightly slower than normal but the tempo and his rhythm of batting is what makes him stand out. When he's in fine flow he's got such a nice easy way about him, Rohit (Sharma)-like. Pure and utter class, great player of spin and he has all the options covered."
One of the best batsmen in the world of cricket, Root, came under fire after England lost the third Test when they were bowled out for 319 after his reverse lap against Jasprit Bumrah.
It was his first century in the five-match series following scores of 29, 2, 5, 16, 18, 7 in his last six Test innings.
"Root has played beautifully today. It has been a very different Root to what we have seen in the series, one who has been playing with control...It has been very un-Bazball, for those who like the entertainment, but very effective," Cook, a former England skipper, said.
"It was a very emotionless Root. It will be interesting to see what he says about this hundred, given all of the stuff that has gone on before, the talk about his shot selection and the way he has played. Great players respond and he has responded with runs."
(With PTI inputs)
