However, their aggressive strategy of giving themselves four overs to bowl at Australia before stumps proved fruitless as the tourists ended the day at 14-0.
Under the leadership of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, known for their unconventional and attacking approach, England made a strong start with the bat in Birmingham.
But the crucial dismissals of Stokes and the fiery Harry Brook left the home side in a precarious position at 176-5, facing the imminent danger of a quick collapse.
However, as has been the case for many years, Root steadied the ship, putting together a partnership of 121 with fellow Yorkshireman Jonny Bairstow, who eventually fell for 78, to save his country in the hour of need again.
Root pulled out some outrageous shots in an incredible innings, with his century greeted with raucous applause by an Edgbaston crowd, with their former skipper raising home hopes of a first Ashes series win in eight years, finishing unbeaten on 118.
England did all they could to take a wicket before close of play, with Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson steaming in from either end, but David Warner and Usman Khawaja stood firm.
(With Reuters Inputs)
