'Slowest century of Bazball era' - Cricket world reacts to Joe Root's timely hundred against India in Ranchi Test

Rahul Iyer

'Slowest century of Bazball era' - Cricket world reacts to Joe Root's timely hundred against India in Ranchi Test image

On Friday, India and England faced off in the fourth Test of their five-match series at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi.

England chose to bat first on what appeared to be a tricky wicket, but were quickly regretting that decision as debutant pacer Akash Deep took three wickets to help reduce the visitors to 112/5 at lunch, with captain Ben Stokes falling on the last ball of the morning session.

Thereafter, a reuilding job by star batter Joe Root along with Ben Foakes (47) and Ollie Robinson (31*) made sure England crossed 300 by the end of the day, with Root unbeaten on 106.

Cricketing world reacts as Joe Root scores slowest century of 'Bazball' era

This was Root's 31st Test century, and his tenth against India. At 219 balls, it was also the slowest century scored by an England batter since captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum introduced the 'Bazball' style of play in 2022.

Many fans and experts felt this was a superb innings from Root as he stuck to his own basics, playing more classical Test cricket as opposed to the more flamboyant attacking style endorsed by Stokes and McCullum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rahul Iyer

Rahul Iyer Photo

Rahul is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition.