100 for Rootpublished at 78 overs

78 overs

Root is almost gifted his century by a misfield, but it’s one instead of two for the England captain who must wait. Sibley hits four, returns the strike to his skipper… and it’s there! A single through square leg brings up the most commanding, composed and classy century. 100 Tests marked with a 100. Who writes Root’s scripts?

Too short from Nadeem and Sibley carves him for another four runs. India must be dreaming about that new ball now.

Now it’s Sibley finding the rope – a beautiful sweep shot bringing four. This is the perfect opener’s innings.

Nadeem has not been able to apply pressure today – five dots are ruined by another Root boundary who is racing towards another century now.

The best thing about this Root masterclass is his ability to find the boundary – four more through the leg side.

Shot! Root continues on his way with a reverse-sweep for four off Nadeem. An all-run four ends the over. All going England’s way.

Phil Tufnell
Former England spinner on the Cricket Social

I think the loss of Jadeja will be a big miss for India. No wonder Nadeem has struggled to get his chance in the past, Jadeja and Ashwin have been just brilliant.

Washington twirls away again. Virat barks some encouragement from his fielding position but Sibley again finds a gap for a single.

It has been really good batting. The shadows are starting to lengthen as we head into the later part of the day in lovely sunshine.

Phil Tufnell
Former England spinner on the Cricket Social

Nadeem has started to change his whole tactic here by starting to bowl wide of off stump. If you go for the slog-sweep, you need to get it right.

Smack! Joe Root hammers Nadeem to the boundary through mid-wicket. That's a really good shot although a couple of balls earlier he top-edged one and was lucky to get away with it.

Phil Tufnell
Former England spinner on the Cricket Social

Nadeem has two men on the drive and is tossing the ball up a little more. Sibley's weakness is driving. He hasn't got a release shot outside off stump.

A slight delay in play as they jiggle around with the sight screen. On we go.

Nadeem continues with a maiden as Sibley advances down the wicket and confidently nudges and pokes his way through the over.

Sweep after sweep as Root looks confident and assured against Sundar, including a scrumptious past leg slip. The England skipper looking assured here. Six from the over

Daniel Norcross
BBC Test Match Special commentator on the Cricket Social

At the moment Root and Sibley have been level pegging since Tea. England are comfortable.

Washington Sundar replaces Jasprit Bumrah for India.

Phil Tufnell
Former England spinner on the Cricket Social

Shahbaz Nadeem looks like he'll be a useful spin bowler when it starts turning. He looks a nice bowler, like he has variations. On the first day you just need to do your job for the skipper. Give them nothing, you've got to be so consistent.

Shahbaz Nadeem has brought a bit of control in the last couple of overs but it is fairly easy for Dom Sibley and Joe Root at the moment.

They've put on 108 now.

Image source, BCCI

Jim Dale: You've got to hand it to Dom Sibley. I wasn't sold on him as a test match cricketer- was worried about his lack of scoring options... but he's worked hard to develop his game & improved his physique in lockdown. He's clearly doing all he can to succeed. Total respect.

I always think the yorker is an underused delivery in Test cricket so I do love watching Jasprit Bumrah throw them in fairly regularly.

England have been equal to them so far as Joe Root digs it out.

Bumrah looks the most likely for India.