England’s batting mainstay Joe Root has offered a refreshing perspective on the art of sledging, saying much of it is “just for show” and not to be taken too seriously. Root highlighted how India’s fiery pacer Mohammed Siraj uses sledging as a tool to build atmosphere and add theatre to the contest rather than engaging in personal battles.

Root, who finished as the second-highest run-scorer in the recently concluded five-Test series against India with 537 runs at a remarkable average of 67.12, explained that Siraj’s antics are about creating pressure and energy.

“I don’t know most of them really well, but a lot of the stuff you see on the screen is all for show. Someone like Siraj, it’s his way of creating an atmosphere, whether it’s from the crowd or his teammates,” Joe Root told Barmy Army’s YouTube channel.

ALSO READ: Mohammad Yousuf Faces Personal Attacks After Abusive Remarks On Suryakumar Yadav

Siraj was India’s standout bowler across the series, bagging a chart-topping 23 wickets at 32.43, including two five-wicket hauls. His finest moment came in the dramatic finale at The Oval, where his 5/104 in the last innings powered India to a thrilling six-run victory, levelling the series in style.

Root also reflected on an intense moment with Indian pacer Prasidh Krishna during the Oval Test. “The first ball he hit me hard on the finger, and I was trying not to show any emotion. Then I hit him for a four, and he said something to me. I had no idea what he said, but I don’t think he expected me to respond,” Joe Root revealed, adding that the situation demanded a response despite the pain he was enduring.

WATCH – Rashid Khan’s No-Look Wizadry: Stunning Six Against Bangladesh Goes Viral

The former England skipper also drew parallels with Shane Warne, calling the legendary spinner the finest at using theatre to gain a mental edge. For Root, sledging remains an essential but often misunderstood part of cricket’s psychological warfare.