Chennai: Half centuries by Joe Root and Moeen Ali lifted England to a decent 182 for three on the first day of the fifth and final cricket Test against India here today.
Root was dismissed after scoring 88, though the batsman was not convinced with the decision of the TV umpire after India asked for the Decision Review System.
At team, Moeen and Jonny Bairstow were batting on 63 and 10 respectively.
Having opted to bat after winning the toss, the visitors lost skipper Alastair Cook (10) and Keaton Jennings (1) early, and recovered due to a 146-run third-wicket partnership between Root and Moeen.
Root looked to be in good touch as he played some effective shots and, in the company of a solid Moeen, added 114 runs in the second session of play.
Thanks to the duo’s effort, the session no doubt belonged to England, though they lost Root at a crucial juncture of play.
After a rather slow start, England also improved their scoring rate with Root and Moeen at the helm of affairs.
Bairstow looked classy in the few balls he has played and while Root was caught behind after review, Bairstow survived as a DRS decision went in his favour just before tea.
During his 144-ball innings, Root found the fence ten times, and Ali hit six boundaries off 141 deliveries.
Root was out to Ravindra Jadeja while going for sweep and so thin could be the edge that the batsman may not have felt it.
Earlier, India struck twice as England endured a testing first session to reach 68 for two at lunch.
At the lunch break, Root was unbeaten on 44, with Moeen giving the current England batting mainstay company on 7.
Seeking to restore some pride after being subjected to three successive crushing defeats at the hands of the hosts, England lost the wickets of Cook and Jennings with just 21 runs on the board.
PTI
