England vs India: Root hits hundred as England leads by 345 runs

England captain Joe Root scored his third century in the Test series as he puts his team in a strong spot against India.

India was bowled out for 78, after which England’s top order seized the control of the match at Headingly.

Root’s majestic 121 helped England to aim for the series-leveling victory.

The top four batsmen of the England team scored 50 plus runs as the hosts finished the day with 423-8 on the scoreboard. England was 345 runs ahead overnight.

Craig Overton with 24 unbeaten will lead the England batting on day 3.

“There’s so much you can learn as a young player from Joe Root,” opener Haseeb Hameed told Sky Sports.

“He’s of the highest class but for me, what stands out is the simplicity of his game.

“He plays like he has so much time, he’s so diligent and also the mental side of things, to turn up and perform in every innings shows how hungry he is.”

After England resumed the play with 120 runs on the board with no loss of wickets, Muhammad Shami broke through the partnership when he dismissed Rory Burns.

Burns scored 61 and showcased a 135 runs partnership along with Hameed. This marked the highest first-wicket partnership for Hameed with Burns since Alaisater Cook and Hameed put up put on 180 against India in 2016.

Hameed scored 68 before Ravendra Jadeja bowled him.

Dawid Malan has been away from test cricket for almost three years. He scored 70 runs after returning but fell just before the tea break.

Malan stood alongside Root for a 135 runs partnership.

At the other end, Root showed off his smooth touch, with a couple of superb backfoot punches among the highlights of a performance that included 14 boundaries.

With a four off Ishant Sharma, Root brought up his 13th Test career hundred. He was full of joy before Johny Bairstow embraced him. With this century, Root had scored six centries so far this year.

The 30-year-old’s stellar knock came to an end when Jasprit Bumrah bowled Root through the bat-pad gap.

India, who are 1-0 up in the five-match series, picked up two more wickets, but they still have a long way to go when they return on Friday.

In honor of former captain Ted Dexter, who died at the age of 86, England’s players donned black armbands.

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