Spirit of Cricket: Virat Kohli stretches Joe Root’s leg as the latter struggles with cramps in Chennai Test

Virat Kohli stretches Joe Root’s leg: The Indian captain came forward to help his struggling counterpart at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

During the first day of the first Test of the ongoing England’s tour of India in Chennai, India captain Virat Kohli and England captain Joe Root were involved in an archetype “Spirit of Cricket” moment.

It all happened in the last 15 minutes of the day’s play when Kohli came forward to help a struggling Root. Facing India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the 87th over, a well-set Root successfully played a slog over deep mid-wicket for a six.

Root, who had given hints of cramping after batting throughout the day at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, stretched a bit too much while playing the shot as he ended up falling on the ground in clear pain.

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Just as the English physio was running to the ground, Kohli was witnessed stretching Root’s leg to reduce the discomfort. Kohli’s gesture reminded fans of former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni who had aided former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis in a similar manner during South Africa’s tour of India in 2015.

Root, who had earlier decided to bat after winning the toss, followed it up with his 20th Test century and fifth against India. Having crossed the 100-run mark on three consecutive occasions now, Root couldn’t have played a better innings in the first innings of a four-match Test series in India.

After putting together a 200-run partnership for the third wicket alongside opening batsman Dom Sibley (87), Root walked back to the pavilion after scoring 128* (197) with the help of 14 fours and a six as England scored 263/3 in 89.3 overs at Stumps.

Virat Kohli stretches Joe Root’s leg

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