Joe Root’s unbeaten 106 off 226 balls, at a strike rate of 46.90, stood in stark contrast to the aggressive Bazball style associated with the Brendon McCullum era.
In Ranchi, on a calm Friday, Joe Root refrained from deploying the sweep shot until he faced his 115th ball, showcasing a deliberate and patient batting style, reminiscent of a bygone era. Root’s unbeaten 106 off 226 balls, at a strike rate of 46.90, stood in stark contrast to the aggressive Bazball style associated with the Brendon McCullum era.
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Root, having struggled in recent innings, especially with an 18 in Rajkot, needed to rediscover his resilient approach. Despite England’s strong position at 224 for two, Root’s dismissal triggered a collapse, leading to their eventual total of 319. India capitalized on this, securing a record victory and a 2-1 series lead.
The scrutiny intensified on Root’s batting approach, with questions raised about the relevance of his 50-plus average during McCullum’s reign. Ian Chappell criticized Root’s attempt to change his style drastically and advocated for a return to his natural game.
Root heeded this advice, opting for a more conventional approach and curbing his inclination for extravagant shots. Despite showcasing extraordinary skills in the past, he chose caution and judicious shot selection in the subcontinent conditions.
Root faced challenges, surviving close calls early in his innings, but he exhibited resilience. His innings featured nine boundaries, emphasizing singles and twos over big hits.
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The high priests Ben Stokes and McCullum applauded his century from the dressing room, acknowledging the value of his sanguine and traditional Test innings.
While some skeptics attribute Joe Root‘s success to the absence of the rested Bumrah, Test cricket’s unpredictable nature and the intricate interplay of possibilities underline the significance of Root’s well-crafted innings.