Image Source : BCCI Joe Root
England skipper Joe Root on Tuesday defended workforce’s method of their second innings, stating they needed to take India’s win out of the equation within the first Test which the guests finally received by 227 runs right here.
England, after profitable the toss, posted 578 runs of their first innings — wherein Root contributed with 218 — after which bowled out India for 337, taking a 241-run lead. However, of their second essay, the guests batted for 46.3 overs and managed simply 178 runs earlier than being all out.
“It was a crucial toss but from that point we had to follow through and make the most of a very good wicket. We did that very well,” stated Root talking after the match.
“To take 20 wickets in alien conditions is a brilliant job from the bowlers. We knew from the outset it was going to be a good wicket. The first partnership got us going. At different stages, guys came in and contributed. That’s got to be the way – if we’re going to win out here, someone has to do that. Fortunately it was me this week,” he added.
Setting India a 420-run goal, spinner Jack Leach (4 wickets) and veteran pacer James Anderson (three wickets) helped England bundle out India for 192 and take a 1-0 lead within the four-match collection.
“We know that India are going to come back hard at us. The idea was to get to 400. It didn’t quite materialise like that. But having spent some time out there, I knew the wicket had changed drastically and knew it was going to change again,” stated Root whereas speaking about England’s method of their second innings.
“We wanted to take India’s win out of the equation. As a bowling group we didn’t want to worry about the run rate,” he added.
Courtesy this win, England have moved to the highest spot within the factors desk within the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC).
They have 70.2 share factors, 0.2 factors forward of second positioned New Zealand who’ve already sealed a spot for the WTC closing slated to be performed in June at Lord’s, London.
Australia are on the third spot with 69.2 share factors, adopted by India with 68.3 share factors.
