Chennai Test: Joe Root’s landmark double century wins praise

Joe Root’s landmark double century for England against India in the opening Test made his teammates look “rubbish,” Ben Stokes said in a tribute to his captain.

The captain, who resumed on his previous day’s 128, hit a big six to become the first player to go past 200 in his 100th Test. He made 218 before departing in the final session in Chennai, AFP reported.

England rode on Root’s masterclass to reach 555 for eight at close on day two. Dom Bess, on 28, and Jack Leach on six, were at the crease.

Root’s remarkable feat — his fifth Test double ton — came after a quickfire 82 from the returning Stokes. The pair put on 124 for the fourth wicket.

“He makes us all feel pretty rubbish. How easy he makes batting look. I was quite surprised he ran down the wicket and hacked a six to bring up a double,” Stokes was quoted as saying by AFP..

“He is in phenomenal form. He dominates spin, incredible to watch. I don’t think we have had an England batsman ever to play spin in the way that he does.

“He has got an answer and option for everything that’s thrown at him. It’s a delight to watch him at the moment.”

Root, who expertly kept India’s spinners at bay in his 377 ball marathon, extended his golden run that followed match-winning scores of 228 and 186 against Sri Lanka in Tests last month, AFP reported.