England captains are often subject to a lot of hardship.Michael Vaughan had once a player's partner knock on his hotel door to complain about the quality wine being served to girlfriends and wives. Phil Tufnell, Alan Mullally and Michael Atherton dumped a 6ft shark into his bed while on tour in New Zealand.The other end of the spectrum was Nasser Hussain and his team received death threats from the Sons and Daughters of Zimbabwe. Kevin Pietersen, on the other hand, led England to India just weeks after gunmen had carried out the deadly attack in Mumbai.Joe Root might reflect on all the difficulties that he has faced as he ends a reign that will see him leading England in more Tests than any other man.It was the Bristol affair that stopped Ben Stokes taking part in 2017-18 Ashes tours. England's white-ball team was the focus, to the detriment the Test side. Root is likely to have Root's only home Ashes series with Anderson as skipper. James Anderson only bowls four overs.The environment created by the Covid-induced bubble pressure. Rotation and rest. Tweets by Ollie Robinson There is still uncertainty about arrangements for the Ashes. Stokes' indefinite leave from the game. Jofra Archer's elbow.This all while being the only class act among a batting lineup that shows all of the solidity and quality of a well-dunked biscuit.According to Greek mythology, Atlas was punished for his support of the Titans in the battle against the Olympians. He was given the right to carry the heavens upon his shoulders for the rest of eternity.Root must be wondering which cricketing God was wronged to be asked to carry England's team, looking forward with all the optimism that one would expect from a turkey who has just received its first Christmas card.After his brilliant century against India, Root said that there was a lot of work ahead. "You need to take each situation into consideration and find a solution.You can let it get you down or think it's bad luck. But ultimately, it doesn't matter."I feel like my best effort is being done."It is hard to disagree. He is flourishing on a personal level.Root completed his incredible 109 at Trent Bridge, an innings so classy it would make James Bond feel like he should be bucking his ideas. Root also passed 1,000 Test runs. Root is the only England player to have more than 354.Root's 2021 average of 59.11 is his highest in a calendar-year since 2015. Root has scored 27% and 173 runs for England since January.There were whispers that Root and England were not in good health. This is not surprising considering Stokes' shocking announcement and the Ashes uncertainty. Root's closest friends said that he was not himself.To spend more time on his preparation, the captain decided to fulfill his pre-match media obligations two days prior to the game.If he continues to bat as he does, he can easily transmit his pre-match message via carrier bird.Root arrived at the crease in the fourth day. The crowd booed his name as he walked down the pavilion steps. England was 49 behind, and they were in danger of losing the match with one day left.He had already dragged his team to an unimaginable position by the time he left.Root started with three perfect cover drives, then moved on to authoritative hooks and fine late cuts. Root hustled between the wickets like his life depended upon it.He was fluent in his bat and often coached his partner.Dom Sibley gave Root an angry look following a mix-up that nearly brought him a run out and a thumbs up for leaving a ball wide of the off stump. Root convinced Sibley to reconsider after he was given out lbw. He then punched the air when England won.Root chatted with Richard Kettleborough (his Sheffield Collegiate CC fellow boy). He smiled throughout the whole thing, even though Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, and Sibley all found ways out. India almost burst into hysterics when he burned their final review after a speculative shout with Root about 97.Root said, "This morning, I said to myself that it was fun to cricket,""It's scoring runs as batters. Although it can be difficult at times, it is fun. It's important to take the time to appreciate each moment and to make the most of them.His sweet drive to three figures was a cause for celebration. He raised both arms, gave a punch to the air and waved the bat at Carrie.Root looked to the Yu Energy Stand who had done so much in chastising Virat Kohli as India captain, and beat the Three Lions badge. Root asked for a chorus of Don’t Stop Me Now from Freddie Mercurys.He said, "I probably was a bit too excited." I enjoyed the atmosphere. It was a chance to thank everyone on the ground as well as my wife.Root was furious at his dismissal and swiped his bat over the stumps, as the ball landed in the hands of Rishabh Pan. Root was still able to show the crowd his helmet and blade as he left.Michael Vaughan, former England captain, said that "we have just witnessed one the greatest innings of all-time.""The position Joe Root was in, the responsibility was on him and he has done that. He has turned England's difficult situation into an opportunity to win."I don’t recall him making one mistake." His late cuts and cover drives were flawless."Pietersen scored a bold 149 against South Africa almost nine years ago. It was the greatest ever made by an England batsman.Pietersen said that after his Headingley pyrotechnics Pietersen might not play international cricket again as it was "tough to be me" in England's dressing room.Although Joe Root can be difficult at times, England would be much stronger without him.
