Root of all problems? England legend’s Manchester record worrisome for Shubman Gill & co

Joe Root returned to his best at Lord’s as England clinched a thrilling final day win in the 3rd test. Root had struggled for runs in the first two tests but top scored in both innings at Lords. Now, the 34-year-old moves to yet another favoured venue as his as England aim to clinch the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Joe Root returns to hunting ground Old Trafford

The India vs England series stand 2-1 in the hosts favour as the teams travel to Manchester for the 4th test. England have a chip on their shoulder with their best batsman Joe Root amongst the runs. Root smashed a stunning century in the first innings at Lord’s. He followed it up with a 40 in tricky conditions in the 2nd innings.

India would be vary of Root, who also enjoys a stellar record at Old Trafford, the venue of the IND vs ENG 4th Test. The 34-year-old is 22 short of 1000 runs at the venue, averaging in excess of 65. His highest Test score of 254, also came at this venue against Pakistan. In 19 innings, Root has 8 50+ scores and will be keen to add to that number.

Root’s form is critical to England, with their batting order largely misfiring. Barring the centuries they scored in Headingley, both Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope have found runs hard to come by. The same is the case with Zak Crawley and Ben Stokes. Root thus becomes a vital cog in the line up, holding the innings together.

Ranked No.1 batter in Tests, India would know Root as the biggest thorn in their flesh. The former England captain has more than 3000 Test runs against the Men in Blue across all conditions. If Shubman Gill and Co aim to restore parity, getting Root out early would be key to their plans.