Aakash Chopra believes Joe Root’s shot, which resulted to his departure in the second innings of India’s second Test against England, was unworthy of one of the longest format’s leading run scorers.
Root danced down the track, hitting a wicked hoick off Ravichandran Ashwin’s bowling. He received an outside edge and was collected by Axar Patel at backward point for a 10-ball 16. India finally won the game by 106 runs to tie the five-match series.
Chopra stated in a YouTube video that the Bazball strategy has had a negative influence on Root’s performance.
“Joe Root is selling himself short. What shots are you playing? The shot he played in the second innings of the second match, it wasn’t a shot of a player who has scored 11,000 Test runs.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India opener also stated that Root’s strategy might have been appropriate if England were seeking for fast runs on a bowler-friendly pitch.
“He hit a four with a reverse sweep off the first ball, then another four, and a six after jumping down the track. It’s understandable if you need 40-50 runs, the wicket is very bad and you feel that you would survive if you keep hitting.”
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra observed that the former England captain played a poor shot given the conditions.
“However, if the pitch is good and you have Joe Root’s class, you need to back yourself, that you can manage even if wickets are falling at the other end, and someone will have to bowl a very good ball to get you out. It was an extremely ordinary shot.”
Aakash Chopra
In the current series, Root has managed only 52 runs at a poor average of 13.00 across four innings. He has been dismissed twice by Jasprit Bumrah and one by Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin.
“Joe Root and Jimmy Anderson should have a conversation” – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra noted that, unlike Joe Root, James Anderson kept to his tried-and-true ways.
“I found Jimmy Anderson’s bowling style very interesting. I think Joe Root and Jimmy Anderson should have a conversation. Jimmy Anderson has been able to take so many wickets because he has a process.”
Aakash Chopra
The reputable expert also stated that the veteran seamer was not taking the Bazball method.
“The process is that he has to bowl at a length where you can’t hit him. You would have to take a little risk if you try to score runs against him. That is against the ethos of Bazball because you think about wickets, runs, and aggression always.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra felt that Anderson’s tactics were defensive in nature. He added that the seasoned right-arm seamer knows what he’s doing, and Root should know what’s best for him.