First Test In Chennai. Day One.

I am delighted to see Test Matches once again on Freeview. Well done Channel Four - even if I did have to get up at 4am this morning.

A super day's cricket which saw skipper Root win the toss and opt to bat first - that was a relief, who wants to bat last on sub-continent pitches?

On a slow, true pitch - for the moment, at least - England capitalised although at 62 for 2, they were in a bit of trouble but they did not lose another wicket until the last ball of the day when Bumrah knocked over Sibley to leave the away team on 263 for 3.

Hard luck on Sibley whose dour, Boycott-like batting was what held the innings together. What a shame he was out 13 short of his century - but it was a most worthy effort.

Hero of the day, however, was skipper Root who made a spectacular 128 not out.

England are in the driving seat but even with India having to bat last, it is hard to see how England can possibly take 20 wickets to win this match. Time alone well tell.