IT was a memorable Friday for Joe Root in Chennai, as he marked his 100th Test match with a brilliant unbeaten century against India on the opening day.

The Yorkshire superstar won the toss for England, and wasted no time in choosing to bat first on a flat-looking pitch.

His side made a bright start, in what is the first match of the series, but lost Rory Burns and Dan Lawrence in quick succession to leave themselves 63-2.

But when Root came in to join obdurate opener Dom Sibley, a sense of serenity descended.

The pair accumulated their runs fairly slowly at first, but increased the tempo as the day wore on.

Root is in sparkling form, having hit a double century and a century in England's Test series win over Sri Lanka last month, and he continued that here.

He only had 12 off his first 54 balls, but moved through the gears nicely, finishing the day on 128 not out, with 14 fours and a six to his name.

Root and Sibley put on exactly 200, before the latter was dismissed lbw by Jasprit Bumrah off the final ball of the day for 87.

England and Root will resume tomorrow on 263-3.