He is only 83 short of Michael Vaughan's England record for a calendar year, with five Tests still to play. Root left with his bat and helmet raised, soaking up the adulation, with 1,398 runs in 2021. Soon after, Root was bowled through the gate playing a tired drive at one Jasprit Bumrah got to nip back. Root's biggest moment of trouble came from a fly in his eye that needed tending to by umpire Richard Kettleborough, then what appeared to be a a bout of cramp which required attention from the physio. When Root reached three figures - tying the England record for six centuries in a calendar year - he leaped into the air before being lifted off the ground in a bear hug from Yorkshire team-mate Jonny Bairstow. His stand with Malan bumped along at more than four runs per over. He whipped through mid-wicket and played spectacular back-foot drives with both feet off the ground. Root seemingly has the ability to deftly guide any ball he faces to third man or point, with India strangely reluctant to plug the gap. Superlatives have run dry for Root, who is putting together a year of batting that will rank alongside some of the greatest the game has ever seen.Įngland had been tied down before he came to the crease, but he instantly changed the tempo, off the mark from his first delivery and then manoeuvring the ball wherever he pleased. They now must prepare themselves for a second innings when their only realistic measure of success would be extending this match into the weekend. Their bowling was insipid, tactics baffling and fielding uninspired. Malan's success was further vindication for England's selection after runs for Hameed and wickets for Craig Overton, while India must wonder how they have unravelled so quickly. Instead, with his team on top, Root produced his most effortless, stylish and predictable ton, treating his Headingley home to something of a 'greatest hits' of his batting. The foundations were laid on day one, when India were shot out and England moved to 120-0, leaving Thursday as a glorious procession to a virtually impregnable position in front of a vibrant and colourful crowd.Īt the centre of it all was Root, whose previous hundreds this summer have come when England had their backs to the wall. This will go down as one of the most remarkable turnarounds between two Tests, both for the way India have failed to turn up and how England picked themselves up from the Lord's debacle. TMS podcast: Root sparkles as England dominate India.'The best in the world' - Root's stunning year and the records he could break.
India's attack was largely toothless on a placid pitch, Virat Kohli's men a shadow of the side that surged to victory in the second Test at Lord's.Īlthough Headingley has a history of sensational comebacks, this match surely will not be one, and England are primed to level the series at 1-1 with two matches to play. Root added 139 for the third wicket with Dawid Malan, who marked his recall with 70, while opener Haseeb Hameed soaked up some early pressure before he was dismissed for 68. His majestic 121 helped England to 423-8, a humungous lead of 345 over the tourists, after India were bowled out for 78 on Wednesday.