Joe Root celebrates a century of Tests in Chennai
England captain Joe Root celebrated his 100th Test appearance on the opening day of the first Test against India, with the tourists making four changes and batting first in Chennai.
Root has now become just the 15th Englishman to reach the landmark and was awarded his milestone cap by his deputy Ben Stokes in a pre-match huddle.
He returned to the middle soon after for the toss, winning and eagerly opting to make first use of what both skippers felt would be the best run-scoring conditions.
The captain walks out for the toss in his 100th Test match for England! 🏴
Live Scorecard: https://t.co/gEBlUSOuYe#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/RV5zgyFZf7
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 5, 2021
England brought Stokes, Rory Burns, Jofra Archer and Ollie Pope in to the side which played the previous Test in Sri Lanka, but resisted two further alterations.
That meant Dom Bess held his spot as first-choice off-spinner over Moeen Ali and James Anderson held off Stuart Broad in the seam attack.
Dan Lawrence was scheduled to bat at three following Zak Crawley’s freak wrist injury, sustained after slipping on a marble floor.
India included left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem in their side after he was called up as a late replacement for the injured Axar Patel, with Jasprit Bumrah making his first appearance at home.
Latest
-
NewsSixes, centuries and celebrations – Eoin Morgan’s England career in pictures
Morgan transformed England’s one-day side from also-rans to world champions.
-
NewsThe key moments in Eoin Morgan’s reign as England captain
Morgan’s time as skipper culminated in World Cup glory in 2019.
-
NewsEoin Morgan says it’s ‘right time’ to go as he confirms international retirement
The 35-year-old, who led England to World Cup glory in 2019, has been beset by form and fitness issues over the last 12 months.
-
World Test ChampionshipSwashbuckling England have served notice to Test rivals – Brendon McCullum
The new head coach oversaw a thrilling 3-0 series win over New Zealand.
-
EnglandHistory-making one-day captain Eoin Morgan set to call time on England career
Morgan led England to World Cup glory in 2019.
-
EnglandBBC staff ‘raised concerns’ over Michael Vaughan’s return amid racism scandal
The former Yorkshire batter returned to Test Match Special coverage for the recent England-New Zealand Test series.
-
County CricketSam Curran’s century puts Surrey in complete control against Kent
Curran’s 126 helped Surrey rack up four centuries in the same championship innings for only the second time in their history.
-
EnglandEngland’s Kate Cross hails Marizanne Kapp’s ‘outstanding’ 150 for South Africa
Kapp came to the crease with South Africa 45 for four and steered her side out of trouble with a maiden Test century.
-
EnglandMarizanne Kapp steers South Africa out of trouble after England’s flying start
Kapp hit 150 from 213 deliveries as England ushered in a new era with four debutants, three taking their maiden Test wickets.
-
EnglandMarizanne Kapp century rescues South Africa after England make flying start
Kapp made 150 to help the tourists recover from 45 for four.