Joe Root reaches century as he builds lead with Dan Lawrence

Joe Root began 2021 putting his words into action. Earlier this week, the England Test captain had said this was a big 12 months for him after “underperforming in 2020”.

He couldn’t have made a better start to a year which includes nine Tests against India and culminates with an Ashes series and he reached his 18th Test century just after lunch. This was a reminder of just how good he is against spin, amongst the best England have ever had.

This was a masterclass on a turning pitch, a display which particularly demonstrated the benefits of having a solid forward press. Reading the length of the delivery is key to success in Galle and Root’s footwork was impeccable getting either right forward or right