‘More than the runs he scored’ - Ravi Shastri takes cheeky dig at Joe Root for subpar batting performance

Team India faced off against England in the third Test of the ongoing five-match series in Rajkot. With the series levelled, both sides have it all to play for in the upcoming games, and despite both teams being in good form, the performances of star England batter Joe Root have been under the radar. 

The 33-year-old has not put in his best performances in the ongoing series, and his subpar showings continued in the Rajkot Test as well. Having only scored 70 runs in five innings, Root’s best score of the series has been 29 runs. 

To pile on his misery, Root threw away his wicket on Day 3 of the third Test as he attempted to play a reverse scoop to Jasprit Bumrah but ended up being caught by the fielder at slips.

It is also worth noting that Root has been more effective with the ball for England than with the bat, having taken seven wickets in the series so far. The same became a point of discussion for former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri, who took a cheeky dig at Root while commentating. 

“Joe Root has bowled 89 overs in this Test series, which is more than the runs he scored,” Shastri said on air. 

It turned out good for us: Siraj

Root’s scoop shot has been a major point of discussion in the cricket fraternity, a news headline branded the shot, ‘the stupidest in English Test history’. Star Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj came forward to give his take on the same as well. 

Opining that if Root had continued his partnership with Ben Duckett, it would have made things harder for the hosts. However, the 33-year-old’s shot-making made things easier. 

"Ben Duckett's partnership was growing with Root, if he had played a little more, then it would have been difficult for us. But suddenly he played that shot which didn't look (like one) to be played," Siraj was quoted as saying by NDTV. 

"But it turned out good for us and after that (Ben) Foakes and Ben Stokes had a good partnership, and then Stokes played a shot (which got him out) and we got into the game from there," he added.

Also Read: Ben Duckett defends 'freak' Root's shot selection in Rajkot