In a funny reply to a witty question from former India cricketer and expert Sunil Gavaskar, Joe Root said that he thought of playing a flamboyant reverse scoop when he was batting at 96 in the fourth Test against India in Ranchi as well. Before this Test, Root faced a lot of criticism from everyone for getting out to the reverse scoop in Rajkot. After he failed to get past 30 in the first four innings, some even called him unfit for ‘BazBall’ as well.

“It did cross my mind (laughs). But on that wicket it’s not a great option. The previous wicket wasn’t that bad but unfortunately it kept a bit low. But that’s how it goes sometimes. Glad to contribute this week – it’s been a lean series for me. I was desperate to do it for the boys. Hope I can carry on for the rest of the series. I think that’s how I try to play every game – play the conditions and the situation of the game. Thankfully it paid off,” he added.

However, he also said that the pitch in Ranchi was only deteriorating further, making batting more difficult. Although the pitch had enough help for him, Ben Stokes failed to use Root much with the ball, mostly because his lead spinners Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley did a great job as well.

“I think I’ve abused his (Stokes) body as well when I was captain so he can do what he wants to with me as a bowler,” he said. “He’s brilliant. He’s great to have in the group. I’ve not seen much of him or known much of him before this series but he has great character. He’s clearly got a huge amount of ability and skill and a lot to offer especially on a surface like this. It’s great to see him coming at the batters again and again and he should take this confidence going forward.”