Root was dismissed after scoring 88, though the batsman was not convinced with the decision of the TV umpire after India asked for the Decision Review System.
At team, Moeen and Jonny Bairstow were batting on 63 and 10 respectively.
Having opted to bat after winning the toss, the visitors lost skipper Alastair Cook (10) and Keaton Jennings (1) early, and recovered due to a 146-run third-wicket partnership between Root and Moeen.
Thanks to the duo's effort, the session no doubt belonged to England, though they lost Root at a crucial juncture of play.
After a rather slow start, England also improved their scoring rate with Root and Moeen at the helm of affairs.
Bairstow looked classy in the few balls he has played and while Root was caught behind after review, Bairstow survived as a DRS decision went in his favour just before tea.
Root was out to Ravindra Jadeja while going for sweep and so thin could be the edge that the batsman may not have felt it.
Earlier, India struck twice as England endured a testing first session to reach 68 for two at lunch.
At the lunch break, Root was unbeaten on 44, with Moeen giving the current England batting mainstay company on 7.
(REOPENS DEL 19)
Striking the early blows at the M A Chidambaram Stadium -- made battle-ready owing to some outstanding work by the groundstaff, including using burning coal to dry the pitch -- were comeback man Ishant Sharma and Jadeja, who was getting purchase from the surface.
The visitors were seven for one and it soon became 21 for two when Jadeja, the first slow bowler to be introduced into the attack, induced an edge from Cook for skipper Virat Kohli to take a low catch at first slip.
Jennings, while attempting to drive an over-pitched delivery, got a thick edge as India reaped the reward for maintaining discipline early on.
The left-arm spinner then pushed one wide outside off and got a thick edge from the batsman whose horror tour against Jadeja continued.
Root and Ali then tried to steady the ship with an unbroken stand of 47 for the third wicket.
In his 75-ball unbeaten knock, Root found the fence five times.
India are eyeing their biggest-ever Test series victory against England and stretch an unbeaten run to a record 18 matches.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
