Joe Root was extremely efficient with his off-spin once more as England knocked India out for 436 in the first session of Day 3 of the current Test in Hyderabad. Root concluded with figures of 4/79 as the hosts added only 15 runs to their overnight total.
Ravindra Jadeja appeared to be on his way to another Test century, but he was ruled leg before wicket when Root struck his pads from around the wicket. While Jadeja examined the ruling and replays revealed the potential of a bat, the third umpire determined there was insufficient evidence to reverse the verdict.
The on-field call remained, and Jadeja had to leave. Here’s the video of his dismissal:
Joe Root then made it two in two by cleaning up Jasprit Bumrah, sending the ball smashing into the stumps via the space between the latter’s bat and pad. Here’s a video:
With Mohammed Siraj at the crease, Axar Patel would have preferred to farm the strike and extend India’s lead. However, the southpaw’s stumps were shaken when he attempted to knock a ball from Rehan Ahmed through the covers.
The youngster got it to spin quickly, and the ball stayed low enough to disrupt Axar’s furnishings. Here’s a video of the final wicket in India’s first innings:
England would be satisfied with how they closed off the Indian innings early on Day 3. However, the hosts still have a commanding 190-run advantage to work with.
England’s spin troubles exposed by Joe Root’s bowling heroics
England chose three frontline spinners, but part-timer Joe Root was their best bowler, highlighting the visitors’ lack of spin expertise.
Prior to the Hyderabad game, Tom Hartley and Rehan Ahmed had only played one Test match together. The sole experienced spinner, Jack Leach, injured his knee and struggled to bowl for lengthy periods.
The inconsistency, along with inexperience, may force England to reconsider their bowling lineup for the upcoming Test, perhaps bringing James Anderson into the game.