As he drove the ball through extra cover to reach his 10th Test century against India and his 31st overall, Joe Root could have been forgiven for erupting with anger. Over the previous week he had been the lightning rod for criticism of England’s attacking approach; a master batter diagnosed to have been infected to his detriment.
Instead, 25 minutes before stumps on an opening day bent to his will, Root simply removed his helmet and raised his bat to his teammates up in the dressing room. It was ego-free, in keeping with a knock that saw any flashy new accoutrements replaced by diligence in defence, wing-heeled running and game awareness. And in the context of this series, England 2-1 down with two to play, it could prove pivotal.
