England skipper Joe Root scored 23rd ton of his Test career during the third Test against India at Headingley. It helped England to tighten the screw on India as their lead has reached 345 at the stumps of day two.
India were still searching for the first wicket when day two started. It took them not long before Mohammed Shami knocked off Rory Burns’ off pole after England reached 135. Ravindra Jadeja also clean bowled Haseeb Hameed and gave India relief as both openers were back in the hut after scoring 60s.
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However, Joe Root took the baton from there on and added quick 139 runs for the third wicket with Dawid Malan, who got out for 70 in his comeback match at the stroke of tea break. Indian bowlers were looking ineffective throughout the day and failed to trouble English batsmen.
In the process, Root notched up his third century of the series and punished Virat Kohli’s team. Mohammed Shami took two quick wickets in the post-tea session as he removed Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler. Jasprit Bumrah, then, knocked Root as well but he had scored quick 121 runs by that time.
A flurry of wickets fell in the last session but England had already raced too far away from India in the third Test. India made a mini-comeback by taking four wickets for 33 runs but Craig Overton and Ollie Robinson kept Indian bowlers out from finishing England’s first innings.
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England had scored 423/8 at the stumps and had 345 runs lead. Shami took three wickets while Jadeja and Siraj managed two wickets apiece other than Bumrah’s single wicket effort throughout the day.
See how Twitter reacted to day two of the Leeds Test;
Joe has decided to stay Root ed to the crease against us. Top player in great form #100 #IndvsEng
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 26, 2021
Another day and another outstanding 100 from @root66 . What a splendid 2021 it has been for him with 6 test centuries, including 3 in successive test matches this series.
He has stamped his authority and England are in a formidable position in this Test Match. #3rdTest pic.twitter.com/oZ7RmaBbAA— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 26, 2021
Joe Root 390 runs behind Mohammad Yousuf's 1788 runs in 2006 with a maximum of five Tests remaining.
In between, he had an 11-innings 50-less sequence – his longest. Extraordinary!!! #ENGvIND— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) August 26, 2021
Halfway through this series, @root66 has crossed 500 runs already! #IndvsEng
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) August 26, 2021
It doesn't matter which team you are supporting. Cast that aside. This performance from Joe Root is that of a top player at the height of his power.and something to admire.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 26, 2021
And there’s another… Joe Root, you superstar.👏👏👏
— Ian Bell MBE (@Ian_Bell) August 26, 2021
Test cricket is the toughest place to find your long-lost form. Nets and practice games are where you rediscover yourself. Don’t understand the modern-day concepts though #IndvsEng #Headingley
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) August 26, 2021
