At the end of a gripping Day 1 in the second Test at Lord’s, England’s Joe Root stood unbeaten on 99, anchoring his team to a steady 251 for 4. While fans at the iconic ground lauded Root’s masterclass, one of the more telling acknowledgments came from across the aisle — Indian pace spearhead Mohammed Siraj, who openly praised the former England captain for his determination, technique, and resilience against a testing bowling unit.
Speaking to reporters after stumps, Siraj didn’t hesitate to applaud Root’s batting, calling it a “lesson in patience and class.” He noted that Root had shown the temperament of a true Test match giant, especially on a pitch that offered assistance early in the day and demanded application throughout.
“As a bowler, you know you’re bowling in good areas, but sometimes the batter is just too good. That was Joe Root today,” Siraj said. “He was calm, left well, defended even better, and punished only when we gave him room. That’s what makes him special.”
Siraj, who went wicketless on the day despite some probing spells, admitted that watching Root bat was frustrating yet admirable. Root’s ability to remain unflustered, especially during testing periods in the first and second sessions, was what impressed him most. According to Siraj, Root’s experience and composure were the difference in ensuring England didn’t collapse under pressure.
“Every time we thought we had an opening, he just shut the door. There’s a reason he’s one of the best in the world,” Siraj continued. “There were moments we built pressure, but he never panicked. He just trusted his process. Hats off to him.”
Root’s innings indeed had all the hallmarks of a classic. He negotiated movement early in the day, kept the scoreboard moving without taking unnecessary risks, and grew in authority as the day progressed. While other batters fell to mistakes or clever bowling, Root never looked out of control. His concentration was unwavering, and the shot selection near flawless. For bowlers like Siraj, it meant bending their backs without much reward.
Despite the admiration, Siraj was quick to add that Day 2 is a fresh opportunity. “We’ll come harder tomorrow. He’s on 99, and we’ll look to start well, hit the right lengths again. Test cricket is about patience — one session can change everything.”
Siraj’s words weren’t just sporting praise; they were a recognition of Root’s class in the longest format of the game. The Indian pacer is known for his aggressive bowling and competitive spirit, but his appreciation of a rival batter’s performance shows the kind of mutual respect Test cricket still commands.
As Day 2 looms, the battle resumes — Root looking for his hundred and beyond, and Siraj hungry to break through. But for now, in the twilight of Day 1, it was one cricketer acknowledging another’s brilliance. In the heart of London, Joe Root had not only won over the Lord’s crowd but also earned the applause of one of India’s fiercest bowlers.