In the current Ranchi Test match between England and India, Joe Root’s 106 runs off 226 balls. He did this despite looking extremely “un-BazBall,” and has won praise from former England skipper Sir Alastair Cook.
After failing to score more than 29 runs during the first three Test matches, Root spearheaded England’s recovery from a lunchtime deficit of 112/5. After he and Ben Foakes forged an undefeated combination for the duration of the session. He took few chances and avoided big shots, to conclude Day 1 with a score of 302/7.
Alastair Cook spoke on TNT sports about Joe Root’s epic century. He said, “Root has played beautifully today. It has been a very different Root to what we have seen in the series, one who has been playing with control…It has been very un-Bazball, for those who like the entertainment, but very effective.”
Cook was among many who criticised Root after he was caught taking risky laps throughout the series. Coming into Ranchi, the story in English media was that Root was not cut out for BazBall.
This was even if his overall statistics were superior to those of Brendon McCullum’s coaching. The best batter in the world is now getting credit for hitting the scenario correctly.
“He is England’s best ever player” : Alastair Cook on Joe Root
Alastair Cook went on to say that he comprehends the hardships his Root could have had up to the Test. He commented on the significance of the century for him and for his side as well.
The former England opener added, “We were witnessing a kind of masterclass 100 from Joe Root…I know how much it means to him and how much it affects him when he’s not contributing. The stuff which is being spoken about him and some of the shots he’s played would really hurt him…He has scored so many runs, he is England’s best ever player and it hurts when you don’t contribute, when you think you should be doing,”
