Joe Root gave a crucial fitness update after he suffered cramps at the end of Day 1. The England skipper also thanked Indian skipper Virat Kohli for helping him stretch on the field after suffering cramps in the Chennai Test.
The England captain was the star of the show on 1st day, scoring a brilliant ton to celebrate his 100th Test. But Joe Root seemed to struggle late in the day and pulled up after hitting a six off Ravichandran Ashwin.
Joe Root Felt It Was Very Kind Of Virat Kohli Who Showed Good Sportsmanship To Help Him
As Joe Root suffered cramps, Virat Kohli was prompted to tend to his English counterpart before the physios came out, but fans loved the special moment between the two captains. Speaking to the media in a virtual press conference after the end of day’s play, Joe Root appreciated Virat Kohli’s on-field gesture.
“Ya, I’ll be ready for more tomorrow. It was a little bit of a cramp, which was a bit frustrating. Very kind of Virat to help me out. Good sportsmanship from him as you would expect.”’
“It was actually quite a nice day today, nice breeze throughout. I don’t think I took enough fluids today. I have to get some fluids in, and I could do that overnight. Got to make up for it, eat and rest well tonight.”
The 30-year-old looked in control from the moment he came out to bat on Day 1. He steadied the ship with Dominik Sibley who scored 87 and was the last batsman to be dismissed after England lost two wickets in quick succession.
Joe Root Felt Chepauk Pitch Was An Unusual Looking Surface
Joe Root employed the sweep shot to perfection, unleashing it to unsettle India’s spinners. His stroke-play was a delight to watch, with the England skipper once again showing why he’s at his best in Asian conditions having scored two tons recently in Sri Lanka.
“I was just trying to get used to the surface, get used to the bounce, and as I got in, I found it easier. Like anything, the longer you’re in, the easier it becomes. It was about trying to build a partnership and take it as deep as we could into the day. I’m a firm believer that your best hundred is your next one,” said Joe Root.
The Chennai pitch was a big talking point throughout the day. Many experts felt it didn’t offer much for the bowlers, with Joe Root seemingly concurring about an ‘unusual’ Chepauk playing surface.
“It’s an unusual-looking surface, but it played pretty well. On the slower side, but I think it’s going to spin as the game goes on. A bit of reverse swing too, and it was a good contest against India’s bowlers.”
Root will have a huge role to play when England resume their innings on Day 2. With the likes of Jos Buttler yet to come at the crease, the visitors will look for a huge first-innings total. While outlining his plans for the second day, the England skipper stressed on the importance of making the first-innings effort count.
“We need to make sure tomorrow that we make use of a strong first day. Plenty of cricket still to be played, but it was very special to get some runs here, especially if it can contribute to a really substantial first-innings total,” Root concluded.
Joe Root is batting on 156 and Ben Stokes has scored unbeaten 63 as England have scored 355/3 in 119 overs before lunch on Day 2.
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