Chennai: Joe Root's creaky back has been bearing a heavy load of England's batting right through this series.
After the early loss of openers, he took up the burden once again at the M A Chidambaram stadium here as he scored a composed 88, which along with a resolute unbeaten century by Moeen Ali (120 not out) and feisty 49 by Jonny Bairstow helped England take the opening day's honours in the fifth and final test against India here today.