India vs England 2021: ‘I’m really proud’ – Joe Root ‘feeling great’ to be joining elite club as he gears up for 100th Test

India vs England 2021: ‘I’m really proud’ – Joe Root ‘feeling great’ to be joining elite club as he gears up for 100th Test
Joe Root 1
Joe Root

The first Test between India and England is only hours away. The series opener will mark the return of international cricket to India following the pandemic and hence will be special for the Indians. The game, being his 100th Test, will be a memorable one for England captain Joe Root too. Debuting in India, back in 2012, Root has come a long way to lead the side and become one of the great batsmen of his generation.

The Yorkshireman is proud to have survived this long in the international arena. Root shares that it is a great feeling to be joining some of the greats of the game in the elite club.

“The century has eluded me a few times with the bat so I’m really proud to be on the eve of playing a hundred Tests. It feels great to join that club. There are some fantastic players – people I’ve looked up to for many years – among them. For a young kid from Sheffield… from being seven or eight years old, dreaming of playing for England, to be sat here now… I’m sure he would be extremely proud,“ ESPN Cricinfo quoted Root as saying.

“I hope it’s not near the end. I still feel like there’s a lot left in me. There’s certainly a burning desire to keep going and play as long as I can. I’m really excited about the coming year,” he added.

It would be a huge achievement for this group

England Test team
England Test team

The hosts have been unbeaten at home since 2012 in the longest format of the game. The last team to beat them was the English side led by Sir Alastair Cook. Root, who debuted in the series which they won 2-1, recalls the victory as a special one. He shares that if the current squad is able to pull it off, it will be a ‘huge achievement’ for them. Root adds that having toured the country numerous times, he now has a grasp of the conditions which could come in handy.

“I played a very small part in the amazing 2012 series. That was very special. But I don’t think at the time I appreciated how hard it is to win in these conditions. Having toured since I have a better understanding of it. It would be a huge achievement for this group of players. But it’s one we certainly have the tools to do. I’m really excited about it. It should be good fun,” said Root.

The first of the four-Test matches will start tomorrow, February 5, in Chennai. The second Test is scheduled in Chennai too while the final two Tests will take place at the newly built Motera Stadium.

Also Read | Cricketers stand in unison to support #IndiaAgainstPropoganda campaign on Twitter