IND vs ENG, 4th Test: Joe Root stands tall as England fight back to finish day 1 on a high

Joe Root steered England to a strong finish on the opening day of the 4th Test against India, with the visitors tallying 302/7 at stumps. Root's unbeaten knock of 106 emerged as the highlight of the day, showcasing his crucial role in England's batting lineup.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, England initially held off the Indian bowling attack. However, debutant Akash Deep quickly justified his selection by claiming the wickets of Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Zak Crawley in quick succession, leaving England reeling at a precarious position.

Despite losing partners at the other end, Jonny Bairstow managed a quickfire 38 off 35 balls, but his dismissal, followed closely by Ben Stokes', saw England faltering at 112/5. It was at this juncture that Root stepped up, demonstrating his renowned batting prowess under pressure.

Joining forces with Ben Foakes, Root engineered a critical 113-run stand for the sixth wicket, stabilizing the innings and guiding England to a more respectable total. Root's determination was evident as he reached his 10th century against India in Test cricket, setting a record for the most by any player.

In the latter stages of the day, Ollie Robinson, featuring in his first game of the series, played a supportive role in an unbeaten half-century partnership with Root. This collaboration ensured England crossed the 300-run mark, setting the stage for an intriguing contest in the days to follow.

Watch: Rahul Dravid's heartwarming wish for Akash Deep as he handed pacer his Test cap