3rd Test: Dawid Malan all praises for ‘phenomenal’ Joe Root

England captain
Joe Root continued his incredible form in 2021, getting his sixth century of
the year, and a third in the series, to help guide the hosts to a lead of 345 runs
in the ongoing third Test against India at Headingley on Thursday. Root’s
majestic knock of 121 runs was the 23rd century of his career,
drawing him level with Kevin Pietersen at number two for Englishmen with most Test tons, with
only Alastair Cook ahead with 33.

And top-order
batsman Dawid Malan, who scored an impressive 70 on his return to the longest
format, cannot help but admire the elegance of his captain’s recent run. Malan forged
a 139-run stand for the third wicket with Root as he had the “best seat in the
house” to watch the 30-year-old run riot at the other end.

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“He is
phenomenal isn’t he?” The Guradian quoted Malan saying in his post-match comments.
“He just scores runs all the time, the ease of what he does and the speed in
which he does it. You look up and suddenly he’s 20 not out and you can’t really
remember a shot he has played, he is that busy and scores that quickly. Being
able to bat with him is fantastic.”

“He’s led
from the front again, as he has done all Test series, so all credit needs to go
to him and the two openers who set it up for myself and Rooty and the rest of
the team.”

Malan, who notched.
the seventh fifty of his Test career, was full of praise for Root’s technique
as well as his intent.

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“He moves
his feet so well, the ball position when he hits it; he hits the ball so much
later than most people. “He always looks to score, his intent – if you bowl a
bad ball he always puts you away and I think that is a massive strength. You
look at all the greats and as soon as you miss your line and length they hurt
you – and Joe is one of those.”

England’s
openers laid the groundwork for Malan and Root to put the home side in a
commanding position. After struggling for runs at the top, Rory Burns (61) and
Haseeb Hameed (68) both struck fifties and stitched a 135-run partnership for
the opening wicket.

England are
currently at 423 for the loss of eight wickets, after bowling out India for a
meager 78-run total on day 1.