Twitter Reactions: Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow make light work of record chase to level series against India

Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root continued their destructive batting on the final day of the Test to chase down the score early and hand India a disappointing defeat. With this win, the five-match series ended in a stalemate as both the teams shared two victories each. England continued their winning momentum from the previous series and defeated India by seven wickets.

Earlier in the day, England started the final day with a target of just 119 runs to win, with seven wickets in hand. Indian bowlers could not take down either Root or Bairstow on the fifth day, and the duo continued to add runs to the scoreboard. The two aimed at the fence more so as to hit some big runs and finish off with the chase early.

The duo went bonkers and bagged their individual centuries to change the face of the game. The result was partially decided on the fourth day, as the winners were clearly visible but the hosts did not let go of a single opportunity and gave out their best. Indian bowlers failed to pick a wicket after the 25th over as Root (142* off 173) and Bairstow (114* off 145) won the game for their side by capitalizing on the start that was provided by the opening batters.

India’s lack of efforts help England clinch the final match

A comprehensive effort from the visiting side saw India posting a humongous total of 416 runs in the first innings. A century from Pant on the first day, followed by a ton by Jadeja on the second day helped India to end their innings on a high. The bowlers made sure that they had the game under control, but a century by Bairstow took England to 284 at the end of their innings.

India posted a target of 378 runs in for the final innings as England dished the visitors out for 245 runs. Only Cheteshwar Pujara (66 off 168) and Rishabh Pant (57 off 86) played a significant knock in the second innings as the other batters failed to put up a decent show. After Pant and Ravindra Jadeja’s century in the first innings, it looked like India would end the second innings on a higher note, but unfortunately, their plan failed.

India had a lead, but their efforts with the bat in the second innings were just not enough to withstand the revamped English team. The Ben Stokes-led team’s summer this year would surely be one to remember for ages.

Here’s how Twitter reacted: