"He was absolutely outstanding" - Nasser Hussain reacts as Joe Root ditches Bazball to hit fantastic hundred

England batsman Joe Root was the main highlight of Day 4 between the fourth IND vs ENG Test match. Root smashed his first century of the series and reached the three-figure mark in 219 balls. England were able to finish Day 1 at 302/7 in 90 overs wherein Indian debutant Akash Deep shined with the ball and picked up a three-wicket haul.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has heaped praise on Joe Root. As per Nasser, it was an absolute pleasure to watch Joe Root bat in the fourth Test match. Hussain believed that he saw a slightly different Joe Root who had a steely toughness. Hussain added that Root has been looking at his game and is trying to do self-improvement. Concluding, Nasser said that it was the outstanding way that Joe Root batted on a difficult pitch.

Nasser Hussain heaps praise on Joe Root

Nasser Hussain said on Sky Sports, “It was an absolute pleasure to watch you. Don’t keep a great player down for long. And Joe Root is definitely a great buy arguably one of England’s greatest. If not, they have a box of spots will tell you at the end of his career. He talked to said he’s all right today the jury we’ve seen over the last decade or so. Let’s have that sort of boyish smile love playing Cricket and he’s reminded himself if they not young boy crying out playing Cricket.”

“I saw a slightly different Joe Root. I saw a steely toughness in his eye and whether that was because he was stung by the criticism he’s received the some of the shots he played. Whether it’s actually Joe himself is wanted to contribute more. Is that a bit of a laid-back and he’s his biggest critic? He is constantly trying to self-improve and look at his own game, but he was absolutely outstanding today on a difficult pitch.”

Joe Root also became the joint fourth fastest batsman to slam 19000 runs in international. He achieved the milestone in 444 innings and is only behind the likes of Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli. Root remained unbeaten on 106 runs from 226 balls, and would be aiming to convert his ton into a big score.

Joe Root had only managed to score 77 runs at an average of 12.83 in six innings, but after this innings, he looked back to his previous self. Joe Root hit his century in 219 balls, one of his slowest innings, and it was just what England needed as they ended the first session struggling at 112/5.

Joe Root, who has a reputation for taking his time to develop an innings, proved to be just that today in Ranchi, hitting his tenth Test century against India, the most by any player. In Test cricket, Root has a stellar record against India, and this century has helped him get back on track.

However, the match is still evenly poised as the Indian team will be aiming to wrap up the English tail quickly and bowl out England. The five-match series is currently placed at 2-1 and India would be aiming to win the match and series.