A sensational century from Joe Root and a stellar three-wicket haul from Akash Deep highlight the IND vs ENG 4th Test on Day 1 of the Ranchi Test. Akash Deep struck early thrice to deal a heavy blow to the visitors. However, Joe Root stood strong against the testament of time to regain his lost touch.
England won the toss and opted to bat first. A spin-friendly Ranchi pitch saw the debut of Akash Deep, who has impressed in the Ranji Trophy. The debutant came in place of Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the game.
India dominated the first session. Akash Deep nearly dismissed Zac Crawley, but it was ruled out as a no-ball. But he made the necessary adjustments. He came back strongly to dispatch Ben Duckett and, two balls later, Ollie Pope on a duck. Come the next over, he broke through the gates of Crawley to get his third wicket haul.
Jonny Bairstow did put up an initial struggle, but he too was dispatched by Ashwin, who claimed his 100th England victim in Tests. And finally, it was Ravindra Jadeja who scalped Ben Stokes. At Lunch, England was reduced to 112/5.
Joe Root’s Resistance
The post-lunch session belonged to England, especially Joe Root. Out of form, Root played cautious cricket. He took his time, rotated strikes, and finally reached his fifty, his first in the series. Accompanying Root was wicketkeeper Ben Foakes, who played the role of the anchor. With no wickets lost in the middle session, England went for the tea break with a score of 198/5.
Post-Tea, India started to impose their grip on the game. Ace pacer Mohammed Siraj struck twice to dismiss Ben Foakes and Tom Hartley. On the other hand, now brimming with confidence, Joe Root continued scoring runs. He played some crucial knocks to prevent England from crumbling down and succumbing to another batting collapse.
Root eventually registered his 31st Test century to help England reach a comfortable score. At stumps on Day 1 of the IND vs ENG 4th Test, England’s score reads 302/7.
