Rajkot — Joe Root said England played fantastic cricket on Wednesday after his sparkling century helped the tourists reach 311/4 at stumps on the opening day of the first Test against India. The 25-year-old put on 179 with Moeen Ali, who reached the close on 99, after India’s spinners had reduced the tourists to 102/3 on a placid track. Ali was at the crease with Ben Stokes, who was on 19. Root smashed 11 fours and a six during his 124-run knock before being caught and bowled by Umesh Yadav. With Ali standing tall at one end, England looked set for a big first innings total, vindicating captain Alastair Cook’s decision to bat first. Root celebrated his 11th Test ton, and third against India, by waving his bat towards a grateful England dressing room. Root became the first overseas player to score a century in India since Australia’s Michael Clarke in 2013. "The way we played throughout the day was fantastic," Root said. "We always thought that seam bowling would be useful early on, ...
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