Root's ton helps England to take lead

LONDON: Skipper Joe Root's 22nd Test ton put England in commanding position on the third day of the second Test against India at Lord's on Saturday. The hosts took vital 27-run first innings lead as they were all out at 391 in 128 overs in reply to India's 364. Root remained unbeaten at 180 off 321 balls with 18 fours.

Root shared a century partnership with Jonny Bairstow (57) and a 54-run partnership with Jos Buttler (23). Then added 58 runs for the sixth wicket with Moeen Ali (20).

Much of the day though belonged to Root, who negotiated the England bowlers well on a pitch that was flat and offered nothing to the Indian bowlers.

While Mohammed Siraj picked his third wicket post lunch, removing Bairstow off a short delivery, Ishant Sharma got his first of the game when he breached the defence of Jos Buttler.

In the pre-lunch session, England did not lose a single wicket as they added 97 to move to 216/3. In the second session, they scored 98.

Brief scores: India 364 in 126.1 overs vs England 391 in 128 overs (Joe Root 180no, Jonny Bairstow 57, Rory Burns 49, Mohammad Siraj 4/94, Ishant Sharma 3/69, Mohammed Shami 2/95). IANS

Also Read: Bruno Fernandes scores hat-trick as Manchester United beat Leeds

Also Watch: