Postpublished at 06:48 Greenwich Mean Time 6 February 2021
I remember working on that Test. A great knock. Lovely photo too, Tim.
Summary
Bess - dropped on 19 by Rohit - ends 28 not out
Ishant takes two wickets in two balls in final hour of day
Root hits 218 - his fifth double-century - before being trapped lbw
Stokes - dropped twice in his 30s - hits aggressive 82
Pitch already breaking up - signs of spin and uneven bounce
First Test, day two, Chennai
Postpublished at 06:48 Greenwich Mean Time 6 February 2021
get involved Get Involved - your favourite Root memorypublished at 06:48 Greenwich Mean Time 6 February 2021
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Tim: My favourite Joe Root memory was his first day as Test captain. It was my first time watching a Test at Lord’s and he ended the day on 184no. He just accumulated without any fuss at all, although Maharaj bowled him off a no ball on 149!
Image source, Tim DartEng 357-3published at 120 overs
Root 156, Stokes 64
We saw deliveries really spit and bounce from the spinners in the morning session. That is what promoted Stokes' aggressive approach.
England's all-rounder gets a ball on the hip from Ishant and tucks it into the leg-side for an easy single.
Postpublished at 06:45 Greenwich Mean Time 6 February 2021
Abhishek Jhunjhunwala
Former IPL batsman on The Cricket SocialIt will turn a lot, especially with the red soil.
The problem is when it holds together the pitch is an absolute belter - it is the best wicket you can imagine. But when it starts to crack up the bounce is uneven and it is the most difficult pitch to play on.
Eng 355-3published at 119.1 overs
Seamer Ishant Sharma, still stuck on 297 Test wickets, begins proceedings in the afternoon session.
Image source, BCCIPostpublished at 06:42 Greenwich Mean Time 6 February 2021
Jonathan Agnew
BBC cricket correspondent on The Cricket SocialEngland will be so pleased seeing the pitch doing what it is doing. Nobody knew what it would do with it being the first pitch prepared by this groundsman.
It will turn a lot by day four I imagine.
Eng 355-3published at 119 overs
Root 156, Stokes 63
Here come the India players. There's plenty for them to ponder.
Same again for England?
Postpublished at 06:41 Greenwich Mean Time 6 February 2021
All hail the vicar...
Image source, BCCIget involved Get Involvedpublished at 06:40 Greenwich Mean Time 6 February 2021
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Tattz: This innings by Stokes is possible because of the hard work that Sibley put in yesterday, grinding down the Indian bowlers. It frees the lower order to play so naturally and without scoreboard pressure.
'A brilliant morning in every respect'published at 06:38 Greenwich Mean Time 6 February 2021
Jonathan Agnew
BBC cricket correspondent on The Cricket SocialIt has been a brilliant morning in every respect for England, not just not losing any wickets and the way that Ben Stokes has played but the wicket as well. We've seen a number of balls now that have bounced and turned and that's why Ben Stokes has stepped up a gear.
We've seen some terrific strokes. He's barely played any cricket and it's amazing really. It's what we're becoming used too.
'Stokes' counter-attacking just incredible'published at 06:37 Greenwich Mean Time 6 February 2021
Abhishek Jhunjhunwala
Former IPL batsman on The Cricket Social
Image source, BCCIThe pitch is still looking pretty good but there are a few areas where the ball is behaving in uncertain ways - particularly outside the off stump of the left-hander.
But to see Ben Stokes counter-attack the way he did is just incredible.
Postpublished at 06:34 Greenwich Mean Time 6 February 2021
Well said, Tom.
England's captain. World-class batsman. Fantastic ambassador.
Image source, Getty Imagesget involved Get Involved - your favourite Root memorypublished at 06:33 Greenwich Mean Time 6 February 2021
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As a member of the LGBTQ+ community my favourite Joe Root moment was when he told Gabriel it is okay to be gay.
Tom Waghorn, London
The Cricket Social is livepublished at 06:30 Greenwich Mean Time 6 February 2021
Jonathan Agnew, Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell and the rest of the team are just revving up for today's edition of the Cricket Social.
Tune in to listen to their thoughts on today's play and their latest musings from the cricketing world.
You can listen by clicking the audio icon above.
Postpublished at 06:27 Greenwich Mean Time 6 February 2021
Root and Anderson put on 198! Incredible. You raise that bat, Jim.
Image source, Getty Imagesget involved Get Involved - your favourite Root memorypublished at 06:25 Greenwich Mean Time 6 February 2021
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Conner Hoye: One of the best Root innings was against the very same team, scoring 154 not out against India at Trent Bridge in 2014 and if I remember correctly, him and Anderson put on nearly 200 for the last-wicket stand.
Image source, Getty ImagesBangladesh on top against West Indiespublished at 06:22 Greenwich Mean Time 6 February 2021
Image source, Getty ImagesIn Chittagong, Bangladesh look to be moving into a match-winning position on day four against West Indies.
They are 153-4 in their second innings, which gives them a lead of 324. Skipper Mominul Haque is 85 not out while Liton Das is unbeaten on 40.
A declaration may come soon.
South Africa dig in after loss of De Kockpublished at 06:18 Greenwich Mean Time 6 February 2021
Image source, Getty ImagesThe Test between Pakistan and South Africa in Rawalpindi continues to be nip and tuck on day three.
South Africa resumed on 106-4 in reply to Pakistan's 272, lost Quinton de Kock early for 29 but have battled to 151-5.
Temba Bavuma is unbeaten on 30.
Follow the score of that game here.
Postpublished at 06:17 Greenwich Mean Time 6 February 2021
Was that Root's best innings? This one will run it close.
get involved Get Involved - your favourite Root memorypublished at 06:15 Greenwich Mean Time 6 February 2021
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Image source, Getty ImagesHad the pleasure of seeing Root's 254 at Old Trafford against Pakistan, Cookie got a hundred too, and it was all for my best mate's stag. Just needed a 5-for for Jimmy, and it would have had everything!
Casper