ENG vs IND 2018: Watch - When Joe Root Decimated India at the Oval

There’s no denying the fact that India have a mountain ahead of them. Joe Root, England’s Test captain, might have endured harsh times early in his career as a leader, but as a batsman, he remains impeccable to say the least.

Joe Root, the man for England

The Yorkshire batsman did receive a bit of flak for his performance in Australia as the captain of England, but one can expect him to bounce back in style against India in the five-match Test series, starting August 1st.

Joe Root has some terrific numbers to boast about given his complete run making spree, at least in Tests. Against India in particular, the England captain is simply at his best. Across 11 games against the men in blues in his career, Root averages a staggering 68.87, with three tons to his name.

With 11 fifty plus scores in just the matter of 19 innings against the Indians, Root scores at least a fifty every other inning. If the warning signs are anything to go by, the Indian bowlers need to keep Joe Root as their target number one.

If he gets going, India isn’t just in for significant partnerships, but even quick runs. Root isn’t someone who will take his sweet time in getting in, but someone who gets going right from the very offset.

A clear example of that statement above can be witnessed in the video below. During India’s previous tour of England in 2014, the right-hander was simply elegant in the fifth Test at the Oval. The fifth Test turned out to be an absolute disaster for the Indians in London.

Root eyes past performance

Batting first, India were rolled over for just a paltry 148, as the England seamers raked up some sensational numbers. In response, it was Joe Root’s willow, which all but put India out of the game.

The right-hander played a mind-blowing knock of 149 off just 165 deliveries, as India were crushed by an innings. The series ended with a 3-1 win for England and what seemed like a good start for India a few days earlier, was nowhere to be seen.

This time around as well, Joe Root remains the most prized wicket for the Indian bowlers, and it will be essential to send him back to the pavilion at the earliest. Below, is the video of that ton from Joe Root.