After years of close calls, Joe Root finally put an end to the wait when he made a landmark first-ever Test hundred in Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane. Coming in at ball in hand with England facing a crisis at 5/2, Root defied the pink ball and led the innings with mature and assured control. His dad and mom Matt and Helen Root were there in the crowd ready to burst with pride when Root hit the milestone.
Joe Root came out defending with courage and style
Starc had the upper hand in the beginning and Root had to face a lot of heat and was under pressure to counter the early strikes in the innings. In doing so, he outlined the innings with his unhurried approach and intelligent shot selection. A flick to fine leg was the stroke on the hour and to acknowledge the feat the player simply bowed his head.
A little later the parents of Root told the media “It was a kebab and wine moment for us”. After the stumps Root was still there with 135 not out thus making England score 325/9 – a target with Jofra Archer’s support.
Cook Names Root “The Greatest of England”
Alastair Cook is full of admiration for the precision and calmness of Root. He even said that when Australia will read the score-sheet they will realise that Joe Root is the greatest. Cook was full of praise to the crispness and smartness of the shots which led to the transformation of the early collapse into a strong position. England bet on him to score big now, to cross the 350 mark easily.
Author’s Opinion
Root’s hundred shows vividly that he is a key figure in the England team. His way of showing the correct path and controlling himself even when things are most difficult, surely, strengthens the morale of his team members. If he carries on playing style at the Gabba, England will still be in with a chance.
