Postpublished at 08:39 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February
Michael Vaughan
Former England captain
That's a bit of desperation by India with the reviews.
Summary
Root's composed century helps England recover from 112-5 at lunch
Root and Foakes (47) put on 113 for sixth wicket
Pitch offering unpredictable bounce and movement
Debutant Deep takes three wickets in first hour of Test
England win toss; Day one, fourth Test, Ranchi; India lead five-match series 2-1
Postpublished at 08:39 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 08:38 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February
#bbccricket, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply)
Image source, ReutersSo do we take this partnership and Root's innings as evidence that Bazball is more adaptable than it was given credit for or vindication for everyone who said Root needs to bat how he normally does? I will go for a bit of both. Bazball with a dose of common sense when needed the way forward - perhaps Bazball Lite.
Jim, Bucks
Eng 197-5published at 60 overs
Ben Foakes is still being tested here, as Jadeja gets another to skittle through very low outside off stump.
Concentrate before tea, lads.
Not outpublished at 59.2 overs
Should've listened to the keeper.
Missing leg stump, and India are out of reviews.
India reviewpublished at 59.2 overs
Now then!
This feels like lbw review number 34 of the day. Jadeja likes it, the keeper Jurel isn't sure - suggesting it's missing leg.
Rohit Sharma sends it upstairs with seconds to spare.
Eng 197-5published at 59 overs
Oh, Ben Foakes. You lucky, lucky man.
Ashwin gets one to keep very low, almost identical to Stokes' dismissal and Foakes misses - but it's a fraction wide of off stump.
A couple of balls later, one rears up off a length and pins Joe Root on the glove. Yeah, it's still not easy.
Postpublished at 08:31 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February
As we said earlier, Ranchi is the home of MS Dhoni. He's still a hero to the home crowd.
Image source, Getty ImagesEng 196-5published at 58 overs
And again.
Too wide from Jadeja and Root cuts fine for four.
Jadeja is seething, swishing his floppy hat around in frustration because that was a gift, after his endless overs of consistency.
Postpublished at 08:27 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February
Michael Vaughan
Former England captainThis is clearly a new-ball pitch. Once the ball gets soft it’s flat.
Eng 191-5published at 57 overs
Can we also give Joe Root's back-foot punch for four a knighthood? It's also a thing of beauty.
Postpublished at 08:26 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February
Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport chief cricket writer in RanchiJoe Root's defence has been immaculate all day. Thou shalt not pass.
Postpublished at 08:25 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February
Phil Tufnell
Former England spinnerIt is funny how you get a partnership going, the wicket flattens out and it looks a bit easier. After that frenetic first session, Joe Root has played very nicely - ably supported by Ben Foakes.
They have put the risky shots away and just knocked it around.
Eng 186-5published at 56 overs
Root refuses to give in to Jadeja, who gets through another maiden.
He's not only fulfilling the role of frontline spinner, number five batter and gun fielder, but he's clearly Chief Ball Shiner too. He has bright red stain right down the front of his shirt.
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 08:23 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February
#bbccricket, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply)
Maybe unfair of me to be cynical but do you think India resting Bumrah has allowed Root to relax more earlier in his innings? It’s great to see him playing so well but I can’t help but wonder if that’s a factor.
Daniel, London
Eng 186-5published at 55 overs
Ashwin works through all his variations in pace but Root or Foakes aren't tempted yet. If they can make it through the entire session unscathed, it will be heck of an effort.
How's stat?!published at 08:18 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February
Joe Root's half-century is the fourth-slowest in the Bazball era. These two currently at the crease hold four of the five in the list below:
- Joe Root: 122 balls v New Zealand, 1st innings, Wellington, 2023
- Ben Foakes: 116 balls v South Africa, 1st innings, Manchester, 2022
- Alex Lees: 109 balls v New Zealand, 1st innings, Nottingham, 2022
- Joe Root: 108 balls v India, 1st innings, Ranchi, 2024
- Joe Root: 107 balls v New Zealand, 2nd innings, Lord's, 2022
Eng 184-5published at 54 overs
Lovely! Joe Root drives through the covers for four as Kuldeep loops one up a little too full.
One keeps very low a couple of balls later but he jams his bat down in time. The pitch just keeping us all on our toes...
Eng 180-5published at 53 overs
Root 53, Foakes 25
Ashwin's wicket earlier was his 100th in Tests against England. Not bad.
Eng 179-5published at 52 overs
Just the single from Kuldeep's latest over.
We've had two very intriguing, gripping sessions in two completely contrasting styles. And that's wat we love about it!
Eng 178-5published at 51 overs
Joe Root's shot selection has been flawless so far. He's only using the sweep to balls that are away from the stumps to minimise the risk, but it's still not looking like an easy shot to play.