Joe Root achieves historic feat, becomes joint 4th fastest batter to slam 19000 international runs

England batsman Joe Root turned out to be the top performer on Day 1 of the fourth IND vs ENG Test match. Root remained unbeaten on 106 runs from 226 balls, and smashed his first century of the series. Root was not able to perform well in the series so far and got out after getting low scores. The Yorkshire batsman tried to play aggressive cricket which is way beyond his playing style and wasn’t able to execute them.

Joe Root also went passed the 19000 international run mark in international cricket and became the fourth cricketer to achieve the mark. Root joined the likes of great players such as West Indies legend Brian Lara, veteran Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar and Indian batter Virat Kohli.

Root was able to reach the mark in 444 international innings. Root became the joint fourth fastest batsman in the history of international cricket to achieve the feat. Indian batsman Virat Kohli is the fastest batsman to reach the record and achieved the same in 399 international innings.

Joe Root only behind Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, and Virat Kohli in an epic list

Quickest Innings to 19000 International Runs (innings-wise):
399 – Virat Kohli
432 – Sachin Tendulkar
433 – Brian Lara
444 – Ricky Ponting/Joe Root*
458 – Jacques Kallis
463 – AB de Villiers

Joe Root has always been known for taking his time building his innings, and he did just that in Ranchi today, smashing his 31st Test century and tenth Test century against India, the most by any player. Root has an excellent record against India in Test cricket, and this century has helped him regain his form. He received harsh criticism for his poor scores as a result of his aggressive attitude to Test cricket, notably in this series.

Joe Root had only scored 77 runs in six innings at an average of 12.83, but he has returned to his prior form and nature with this innings. Joe Root achieved his ton in 219 balls, one of his slowest efforts, and it came at a crucial time for England, who were suffering on 112/5 at the close of the first session.

Joe Root faced a lot of criticism after being dismissed in the third Test for playing a dangerous shot. He was caught at the slip cordon while attempting a reverse scoop off Jasprit Bumrah. Although he has played this shot well on numerous occasions, pundits and fans felt that his shot selection was bad in the innings. Root showed hints of returning to form in the opening innings of the fourth Test, scoring a century to push England back into contention.

Debutant Akash Deep ripped through the England top order wherein he removed the likes of Ben Duckett (11), Ollie Pope (0), and Zak Crawley (42). England captain Ben Stokes also wasn’t able to do much and got out after scoring 3 runs. Joe Root put up a stand of 52 runs from 57 balls along with Jonny Bairstow in quick time and tried to put the pressure back on the Indian bowlers.

Also, Joe Root continued to score runs from the other end while wickets fell from one end. Root scored a much-needed half-century in 108 balls. Root put up a good stand with wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes, adding 113 runs off 261 balls for the sixth wicket. Foakes scored 47 runs off 126 balls and provided decent support to Root.

Now when England have ended Day 1 of the 4th Test match at 302/7, the visitors would want to put up a big first-innings score.