There is little doubt that Joe Root is currently one of the best batsmen in the world. In a career that has seen him play just over 50 Tests so far, he has over 4500 runs at an average of above 52.
If one had to pick one weakness in his batting, then it has to be his inability to convert half-centuries into hundreds consistently. He has crossed the 50-run mark 38 times in his Test career so far, but has been able to score a century just 11 times.
On Friday, it was another case of the same for Root as he looked in imperious touch before getting dismissed for 88. Speaking at the end of day’s play, the Yorkshire batsman joked that he needs to ask Santa Claus for some help about his conversion rate.
“I don’t know. It’s something that I should ask Santa for when I get home for Christmas,” said Root.
J Root has had an excellent tour ..he will be so angry to miss out on centuries but has proved to be a world class player
— David 'Bumble' Lloyd (@BumbleCricket) December 16, 2016
The England vice-captain also expressed his frustration over the method of his dismissal. He was given out after a review from India, which had the third umpire Bruce Oxenford take a very close call in the favours of the hosts.
There was a spike on the snickometer, but Root is of the opinion that he did not hit the ball.
“I was just trying to play the ball on its merit. Unfortunately, I keep making that mistake. I was adamant that I didn’t hit that. There was a spike on snicko, which is quite frustrating, but you get on with it. It’s happened, it’s gone,” he said.
The 25-year-old also lauded Moeen Ali, who notched up his second century of the series and remained unbeaten on 120 as England ended day one on 284/4.
“I think the day was a good one, especially after the start we had. The way we fought back into the game was excellent and the way Mo (Moeen Ali) batted against the spinners the whole day was very good,” he added.
