- England captain inspired by video messages and Stokes speech
- ‘Ben, in particular, said some really kind words’
Joe Root admitted to feeling emotional after an evening spent watching video messages from friends, family and famous faces – and listening to a moving speech from Ben Stokes – was followed by the dream-like start to his 100th Test.
Speaking after stumps on day one in Chennai, when he was unbeaten on 128 to continue a personally golden start to 2021, the England captain revealed his teammates had sprung a surprise the night before by showing him a compilation of tributes from well-wishers.