The series stands 1-1, but the score is 3-0 in favour of Joe Root against Virat Kohli if one talks about the battle within the battle between two premier batsmen of modern cricket.
With three centuries in as many Tests that has helped him pile up 507 runs at a staggering average of 126.75, Root has completely overshadowed Kohli so far in the series.
Kohli, as of now, has just one 50-plus score on the tour, which came during India’s second innings in the third Test at Headingley, and he has struggled to get going in almost all his five innings. And for that, Root credited his bowlers, highlighting the need to keep Kohli under pressure in the remaining two Tests as well to continue making matters tougher for India.
“A lot of credit needs to go to our bowling attack. First and foremost, Virat is a world-class player, hence the credit needs to be given to the bowling group,” Root, living his “boyhood dream” of leading England, said ahead of the fourth Test, beginning from Thursday at The Oval.
“We have been able to keep him quiet and it’s something we have to continue to do if we have to win this series. I think till now, we have found ways to get him out and keep building relentless pressure on him. Hopefully, we can continue that.”
England, however, expect a backlash from India after their crushing series-levelling win inside three days in the third Test. “Absolutely, with a world-class side like India led by Virat, I expect nothing less a response.
“We would be naive to think otherwise, and it’s important that we do not get too deluded. We’ve gotten to a level playing field and need to work harder now,” Root stressed.
About his purple patch with the bat that enabled him to be a wall before the Indian bowlers, Root said: “My decision-making probably has been pretty good.
“I feel I’ve got a nice balance between attack and defence, and I’m picking up the length pretty well.”
England also expect Ravichandran Ashwin to be unleashed at The Oval. It was only in July and at The Oval when Ashwin, playing for Surrey, picked up 6/27 in the second innings in a County Championship game versus Somerset. “We’ll certainly be making sure that we’re prepared for the challenges that Ashwin poses coming into this Test,” Root explained.
Taming Root
While England have subdued Kohli, what do the Indians need to do to tame Root?
Former Pakistan captain Asif Iqbal, with good knowledge of English conditions having represented Kent for 14 years, feels the delivery with which Jasprit Bumrah got Root out on the final day at Lord’s could be one solution for India.
“In terms of technique and temperament, Root has been far ahead of others. He’s managing his technique in such a way that he doesn’t repeat the same mistake, unlike his counterpart Kohli.
“However, Indian bowlers shouldn’t be despondent. They shouldn’t try to change things much. What Bumrah did (in the second Test) could definitely be one way (to thwart Root),” Iqbal, who made 58 Test and 10 ODI appearances, and is settled in England for quite some time now, told The Telegraph from London.
Another way to keep Root quiet could be by forcing him to play more towards mid-on, mid-off and the cover region, feels former India wicketkeeper-batsman Deep Dasgupta. “Root has this habit of staying on the back foot even when dealing with length balls, which other batsmen usually go on to the front foot and play.
“So our bowlers can pitch it a tad fuller and also try and make him play more towards mid-on, mid-off and cover region,” Dasgupta, in London on commentary assignment, said.