England captain Joe Root received praises from all quarters as his century put England in a strong position in the second innings of the second Test at Kandy.
England had scored 290 in the first innings and the hosts replied with 336 runs thanks to a brilliant 85 from Roshen Silva. However, in the second innings, England decided to take the attack to Sri Lankan bowlers and Joe Root, the captain led from the front.
Root scored a sublime 124 off 146 balls with 10 fours and 2 sixes to his name. His innings coupled with 59 from Rory Burns and valuable contributions from Jos Buttler (34) and a fifty from keeper Ben Foakes had put England in a strong position with a lead of over 270 runs to boot.
Root’s innings was praised by former Indian captains Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly on Twitter.
A truly very special century from Joe Root.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 16, 2018
What a performance from joe root and england on that surface ..one of the best test hundreds one will see on a pitch which is turning square .. @root66 @ParthJindal11 @ECB_cricket
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) November 16, 2018
Joe Root was also praised for his kind gesture towards England fans, who were displaced from the team hotel - the Earl's Regency, to make way for England team to stay as the hotel is near to Pallekele Stadium.
The displaced fans were offered free travel to and from their new, more distant accommodation, and hospitality lunches at the ground to appease them. England team showed appreciation with Joe Root signing letter for the affected fans and team posing with the fans for an on-field photo.
Indian batsman and limited overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma took to Twitter and applauded him for his gesture.
Great gesture by @root66 good looking out ???? pic.twitter.com/xJ4Pqj3Uw9
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) November 16, 2018
