Subhayan Chakraborty at The Oval
In a Test match pulsating with drama, Joe Root’s masterful 105 anchored England’s pursuit of a daunting 374-run target against India at The Oval, setting the stage for a nail-biting final day. Root’s 39th Test century, including a scintillating 195-run partnership alongside Harry Brook, brought England tantalisingly close to what would be their second-highest successful chase and the highest at this historic venue, breaking a 123-year record. However, a late collapse, combined with worsening light, left England needing 35 runs while India require just four more scalps, including an injured Chris Woakes, to clinch victory.
Root was in imperious form, guiding his side with assurance, grit and elegance. His century, scored off 137 balls, carried an added emotional weight, as he paid tribute to his late mentor, Graham Thorpe, by donning a white headband bearing Thorpe’s name and likeness after reaching his ton. Thorpe, a beloved figure in English cricket who took his own life last year, was honoured in a Test dedicated to his legacy at his home ground. The headbands, which raised over 150,000 GBP for the MIND charity this week, added a poignant layer to Root’s performance, underscoring the deep connection between the two men.
“That was on behalf of our team,” said Root. “It was just a thank you for everything that he’s given the game of cricket, and given English cricket, on and off the field. It’s been amazing to recognise everything that he’s done as a player, as a coach, as a mentor, as a friend to the dressing room and to the game.
“It was really great to see the amount of love that there is for him and for his family.”
The 195-run stand with Brook was Root’s 85th century partnership in Test cricket, a tally surpassed only by Rahul Dravid (88) and Sachin Tendulkar (86). This stand, spanning just 211 balls, seemed to tilt the game decisively in England’s favour. Yet, India fought back fiercely after tea. Jacob Bethell was bowled by Prasidh Krishna, and Root, after surviving a tight LBW call, edged one to the wicketkeeper off the same bowler for 105. With Brook already dismissed, England’s hopes dimmed as 37 runs still remained.
“I’d like to think we have got what we need to get across the line tomorrow,” Root said at the press conference. “It’s been one hell of a series, one hell of a journey and the confidence in our dressing room – clearly we feel we have got the players to get us across the line. But it’s just been one of those sort of five matches in six weeks where it’s swung both ways the whole time. And we are in for a great day tomorrow.”
Root’s 39th Test ton moved him to fourth on the all-time list, behind only Tendulkar (51), Jacques Kallis (45), and Ricky Ponting (41). His 13th Test hundred against India places him alongside Sunil Gavaskar and behind only Don Bradman’s 19 against England for centuries against a single opponent. He also has Tendulkar’s record of 15,921 runs now firmly in his sights.
Despite the late drama, Root remained confident in England’s chances, citing the depth in their batting lineup. Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton weathered India’s onslaught before bad light halted play early, leaving the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series hanging in the balance. With the match poised on a knife-edge, Root’s belief in his team’s resilience will be tested on the final morning, as England chase history and India hunt wickets in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion.
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