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.
