Ranchi Test: Joe Root achieves 47th international Century, equals Rohit Sharma's record

Joe Root, the English batsman, notched his 47th international century, aligning himself with Indian captain Rohit Sharma and former South African batsman AB de Villiers. Root reached this milestone during the final session of Day 1 in the fourth Test against India at Ranchi’s JSCA International Stadium.

Having faced setbacks in the ongoing Test series, Root rediscovered his form in Ranchi, securing his 31st Test century. Departing from the aggressive ‘Baengzball’ approach on Day 1, Root achieved his first fifty-plus score in the series against India.

Root’s Milestone: Leveling Records and Setting New Benchmarks

England’s Joe Root showcased his prowess with the bat, securing his 47th international century and drawing level with India’s Rohit Sharma and former South African star AB de Villiers. Root reached the coveted three-figure mark during the final session of Day 1 in the fourth Test against India at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi.

After encountering a series of setbacks in the ongoing Test series, Root finally hit his stride in Ranchi, notching his 31st Test century. Departing from the aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach on Day 1, Root recorded his first fifty-plus score in the series against India.

HUNDRED FOR JOE ROOT….!!!!

– 31st Test hundred, England 1-2 down the series, lots of question marks on his form and he has arrived with a bang in the 4th Test by scoring a terrific Test hundred. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/1QTVNBAqmo

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 23, 2024

This marked Root’s 13th Test century away from home and his third in India. Notably, he equaled former captain Andrew Strauss in registering the second-most Test centuries by an English batter in India, trailing only behind former skipper Alastair Cook. Additionally, Root matched legendary Australia captain Ricky Ponting in recording the most fifty-plus scores against India, tallying his 20th such score against the team. With this innings, he surpassed Cook to claim the record for the most fifty-plus scores in Tests for England, notching his 91st.

From Bazball to Traditional Approach

The ex-England skipper deviated from the ‘Bazball’ strategy, embracing a more conventional approach on Day 1. Root exercised restraint, eschewing aggressive strokes to secure his inaugural century of the current Test series.

Amidst a flurry of wickets, Root demonstrated his expertise by methodically accumulating runs in Ranchi. His resilience was evident as he forged a vital 113-run alliance with Ben Foakes, salvaging England’s innings after they faltered at 112 for 5, losing all five wickets in the morning session.

England’s eighth-wicket duo, Ollie Robinson and Joe Root, forged a noteworthy partnership, contributing 50 runs from 76 balls to the team’s total. Root, adhering to his characteristic style, accumulated 23 runs, while Robinson added 25, including two extras.

This collaboration proved pivotal as England reached the milestone of 300 runs in 89.3 overs, having faced a total of 541 balls, including 11 extras. At the close of play, England stood at 302/7 after 90 overs, with Root remaining unbeaten on 106 and Robinson on 31, positioning their team strongly for the following day’s play.

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