Joe Root achieves historic feat, becomes first batter to smash 10 centuries against India in Tests

JoeRoot is back with his sensible and resilient version as he smashed his 31st Test century in the fourth Test of the five-match series against India. The two teams are facing each other at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association Stadium in Ranchi and Joe Root has finally broken the barriers of Bazball and his string of low scores in this series as he plays a top knock against India when his team was struggling at 112/5.

Joe Root has always been known for taking his sweet time to build his innings and he has done exactly that in Ranchi today as he smashed his 31st Test century and his 10th Test century against India which is the most by any player against India. Joe Root has a terrific record against India in Test cricket and this century has again got his form back. He faced severe criticism after his low scores due to his aggressive approach in Test cricket in this series particularly.

Before the start of the fourth Test, Joe Root had only scored 77 runs in six innings at an average of 12.83 and he has revived himself to his previous form and nature with this innings. Michael Vaughan praised him when he reached his 50 in 108 balls saying that the ‘Commonsense-Ball is back’. Joe Root completed his ton in 219 balls which is one of his slowest knocks and that came when England needed it the most as they were struggling on 112/5 at the end of the first session.

Joe Root now has the most number of tons against India in Test cricket

Most 100s vs India in the Test cricket:

10 – Joe Root*
9 – Steven Smith
8 – Garry Sobers
8 – Viv Richards
8 – Ricky Ponting

Joe Root now has the most number of centuries against India in Test cricket as he stands with 10 centuries against India. Steve Smith is second on the list with 9 centuries whereas Sir Garry Sobers, Sir Viv Richards, and Ricky Ponting have 8 against India in the longest format. It was also Root’s 13th century against India across all formats which is just one behind Steve Smith and Ponting’s 14.

Joe Root has shown great patience and resilience in his innings rather than throwing his wicket away which he did in the first three Tests. He was urged by many experts to forget Bazball and play his natural game for which he is widely known. Root is mainly known for his resilience and patience and he is very tough to get out when he plays cautious and sensible cricket. He smashed nine fours in his innings to reach his 31st century in the longest format.

India is now struggling to get the tail clear as Joe Root is standing at the crease like a wall and the Indian bowlers are trying to get the other side clear as England is nearing a good total in the first innings. The hosts are ahead in this series by 2-1 and England needs to win this Test match if they have to keep their hopes alive of winning this Test series.