Joe Root’s stunning century gives England hope of final day victory over India in superb First Test

The opening Test of England’s series against India has not disappointed. And going into the final day, it is beautifully poised. India, the favourites, need 157 more. England need nine wickets.

Joe Root is the reason it is as close as it is. The England captain made his first Test century at home since 2018 – and it really was one of the very best of his 21 in the format.

Root’s 105 dragged England into this Test match, despite so much being stacked against him. He props up a failing batting order that has had utterly inadequate preparation for a massive series, and is without Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes. He has put so much stock into starting this series well.

Root came to the crease with England still 49 behind having lost Rory Burns and Zak Crawley to good bowling. Burns was largely blameless after a beauty from Mohammed Siraj – who had plenty to say all day – but Crawley will be worried about his place heading to Lord’s next week. He became the first of Jasprit Bumrah’s five wickets, to take him to nine in the match, and is on a tough run.

Root’s partner was Dom Sibley. Their partnership was extraordinary, with Sibley quite content to bat around Root, who was back to his busy self. He had a slightly skittish start, and was skittish again before lunch as he approached 50. Between times, he was superb. In their partnership of 89, which ended just after lunch as Sibley played a poor booming drive, Root – looking even better than his first-innings 64 – made 71, his partner 12.

The door was open for India, with England’s lead just 40. But Root found a series of partners for very useful stands. Jonny Bairstow and Dan Lawrence, both battling for their places with Ollie Pope ready to return, came and went, playing sprightly innings that took pressure off Root, before falling in frustrating fashion.

Bairstow, for the second time in the match, played some delightful strokes, and looked more secure in his technique – guarding his stumps – than he has for some time. Just as he was looking settled, he looked to launch Siraj into the stand for six, only to pick out Ravi Jadeja – India’s best fielder – on the rope. Siraj gave Bairstow a “shhh” finger to end a feisty battle. Siraj is a wonderful bowler, but had an odd day. He persuaded his captain to take some dismal reviews, and fielded poorly, too.

Lawrence was the second of four English batters on a pair. An outside edge got him off it, and he was soon into his stride. But he got greedy, following three fine shots through the legside off Shardul Thakur by being pinned plumb lbw. It might be that Lawrence, like Crawley, spends a little time out of the side, before coming again.

Those two had not done enough, but they had taken the scoring pressure off Root. Bairstow had scored 40 of the partnership of 42, and Lawrence 25 of 34. Root looked untroubled, ticking along.

Jos Buttler offered similarly aggressive support, but left a straight one two balls after tea, when Root was in the 90s. Sam Curran, attacking as ever, shepherded him to his hundred, which he reached with a lovely on-drive – and a big bellow. It had been a hairy little period for Root, as India wasted reviews and he hit fielders with regularity. Nevertheless, this had been a stunning innings, vintage Root.

The lead grew, but the new ball stopped England in their tracks. Bumrah picked up Root, then Curran contrived to pick out mid-on. Stuart Broad, almost inevitably, went next ball, bowled. There was no hat-trick, but when Ollie Robinson was dismissed, England had lost their last four for 39.

It was strange that, on a day with an awful forecast and in a rain-affected game, we got a full day’s play. India ended it with an hour to bat. Again, their openers repelled England well, until Broad swapped ends and had KL Rahul – looking excellent again – caught behind. The single wicket felt below par for England, but they have a bit to bowl at on Sunday.