Top 3 Knocks By Joe Root Against India In Tests

image-lrrjlg9kJoe Root England's star player (X.COM)

Joe Root's cricketing journey is notable for his early talent, technical proficiency, and the blend of classical and aggressive batting techniques. He has established himself as one of the premier batsmen of his generation. His elegant and technically sound batting has earned him acclaim across formats. Known for his ability to play both orthodox and aggressive shots, Root has showcased versatility in adapting his batting style to different formats of the game. 

Joe Root made his international debut for England in Test cricket against India in December 2012. Root's batting style is often described as elegant and classical. He possesses a full range of shots, including crisp drives and deft cuts, which make him a joy to watch for cricket enthusiasts. His ability to play both off the front and back foot allows him to handle a variety of bowling attacks. The star player has displayed a calm and composed temperament, especially in high-pressure situations. Whether it's rescuing the team from a precarious position or building partnerships in challenging conditions, he has shown resilience and mental fortitude.

His early performances quickly earned him recognition as a key player in the England squad. This, in turn, paved the way for leadership responsibilities later in his career when he became the captain of the Test team.

In Test cricket, Root has been a prolific run-scorer and has achieved several milestones, including multiple centuries and high scores. His ability to anchor innings and play long, impactful innings has contributed significantly to England's success in Test matches. 

One of the modern-day greats, Joe Root holds the record for scoring most runs by an English batter in Tests against India. From 2012-2022, Root has scored 2526 runs in 25 Tests at an average of 55.86. He loves batting against India and has scored nine centuries against them. 

India and England will be up against each other in a five-match Test series, which gets underway on Thursday, January 25. At OneCricket, let's take a look at the top 3 knocks by Joe Root against India in tests.

1.  218 vs India at Chennai, (2021)  

image-lrrm7mfqJoe Root (X.COM)

Joe Root's highest score against India came during England's previous tour back in 2021. Leading the team, he scored a magnificent 218 in the opening Test in Chennai to set up England's only victory in the series.

England were batting first and Root came to bat at number 3 and from there on it was one way traffic as Joe Root just got on top of the Indian bowling attack and he played for 377 balls and hit 19 fours and 2 sixes in this innings. His strike rate was 57.82 and England won this test match by 227 runs. This was one of his best double Hundreds because it came in away conditions in India and he established himself as the best of his generation in this match.

This knock of Joe Root reflects a memorable and impactful innings, showcasing his dominance, resilience, and ability to perform in challenging away conditions.

2.  180* vs India at Lord’s, (2021)

image-lrrks06vJoe Root against India at Lord's (X.COM)

England’s captain had earlier won the toss and chose to bowl with not much success as India managed to reach a first-innings total of 364. After losing Dom Sibley and Haseeb Hameed with a score reading 23-2, Root entered the Lord’s outfield in difficult circumstances. Root's impressive form against the Indian bowlers continued in the second Test after scoring a century in the first Test at Nottingham.

Joe Root as the England skipper, played a crucial role in holding together the English batting line-up. Root's innings of 180* off 321 deliveries, including 18 boundaries, showcased his skill and determination, especially considering the quality of India's pace quartet. The innings lasted for 533 minutes, highlighting Root's ability to stay focused and occupy the crease for an extended period. Despite Root's outstanding effort, England faced a collapse in the second innings, leading to a 151-run defeat for the hosts.

The century was his fifth international hundred at Lord’s with his last being an unbeaten knock of 113 versus India in a 2018 One-Day International match.

3.  154* vs India at Trent Bridge, (2014)

image-lrrns67eJoe Root 154* vs India (X.COM)

The crucial first Test match during the 2014 Pataudi Trophy was as an intensely tight battle between England and India. England began their first innings trailing by 457 runs. Alastair Cook fell early, but contributions from Sam Robson, Gary Ballance, and Ian Bell steadied the ship. When Joe Root came in at No.5, England still trailed by a massive 303 runs.

Root started cautiously, holding one end while rotating the strike and scored 154* in 295 balls at the strike-rate of 52.20.  James Anderson surprised everyone by forming a resilient partnership with Root. James Anderson, not known for his batting prowess, scored his first and only Test fifty, finishing his innings at 81.