Joe Root became the first batsman ever to score a double century in his 100th Test match as England piled on the runs against India on Saturday.
The visitors finished the second day’s play in Chennai in a commanding position on what proved to be a tough day for Virat Kohli’s men.
Root continued his excellent form in the sub-continent by building on his century from Friday and, together with Ben Stokes, put the India bowlers to the sword.
The England captain and vice-captain shared a 124-run partnership for the fifth wicket before Stokes became the first wicket to fall in the day, dismissed by Shahbaz Nadeem for 82.
Root, though, kicked on and brought up an impressive double ton – his second in three matches and the fifth of his career.
The first cricketer ever to score a double century in his 100th Test match! ??
Scorecard: https://t.co/dS83GpOl0T#INDvENG #R100T pic.twitter.com/B0m2gGNpc3
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 6, 2021
Ollie Pope played well for his 34 but was trapped in front by Ravi Ashwin. Root was the next batsman to go when Nadeem ended his long and defying stay at the crease: lbw for 218.
Jos Buttler made it to 30 when he was knocked over by Ishant Sharma and the Indian paceman struck with the very next ball, clean bowling Jofra Archer for a golden duck. But, by that stage England were well past the 500-run mark in the final session.
Dom Bess and Jack Leach frustrated the Indian bowlers towards the end of the day, guiding England to 555-8 at stumps.
India, however, missed a number of chances throughout, including a couple of dropped catches adding further misery. England, on the other hand, are set for a mammoth first-innings total and will be hoping to add more runs on day three.
