After the much-criticised reverse ramp in Rajkot, Joe Root was left pondering his execution. Execution of the shot, it should be stressed, with England’s premier batter issuing an impassioned defence of their approach after his return to the runs column.
England had a commanding position by stumps on day two of the fourth Test, one built on Root’s masterful display of self-restraint with an unbeaten 122 compiled chiefly on day one. It provided the bulk of his side’s 353 all out but, speaking after play, India seven down and still trailing by 134 runs, he insisted it was not a response to last week.
“Certainly the execution of the shot has weighed on me,” said Root, when asked about the moment many viewed as the catalyst of England’s 434-run defeat in the third Test. “Not necessarily the selection but the execution – I’m better than that.
“It’s not about being arrogant. ‘Bazball’ is not a word we use, you [the media] do, and it has created a frenzy. It can be misconstrued and seen as an arrogant way to look at the game but that’s not how we want to do things.
“We want to be smart and keep looking at how far we can take the ability within our dressing room. The reason I’ve played as many games as I have is that I’ve not wanted to stand still as a player, I have to try to keep evolving.”
While Root admitted to a devil on his shoulder telling him to bring up his 31st Test century with the reverse ramp, he thought better of it on this tricky surface or risk “messing with the game”. “I knew roughly how I wanted to get runs on this surface,” he added.
“It was nice to finally contribute. It’s been a lean few games for me and very frustrating. I do like coming to this part of the world and I feel my game is set up nicely to play well here.”
Typically the former captain looked to credit others for England’s position, praising Ben Foakes (47) and Ollie Robinson (58) for participating in stands of 113 and 102 respectively. There was no doubting the main man of the second day, however, with 20-year-old Shoaib Bashir’s marathon 31-over, four-wicket spell having derailed India in the afternoon.
Coming in just his eighth first-class match, and having shown remarkable composure as a result, these figures were already down as the off-spinner’s career best.
Root said: “It was excellent control and skill, asking very difficult questions for a long period of time. That is obviously going to bring wickets on a surface with up and down bounce. The way he bowls is a good indication of his character and personality: he’s cheeky, he’s funny, and a great lad to have around the dressing room.
“Imagine being 15 or 16 years old, a young spinner, and hearing Bashir’s story. It just shows how close you can actually be, how you should keep dreaming, keep giving yourself the best chance to work at your game. You never know where you could end up.”
