Joe Root showed exceptional class under difficult circumstances: Anil Kumble

England ended Day 1 of the fourth Test in Ranchi at 302/7 on February 23. JioCinema and Sports18 experts Anil Kumble, Owais Shah, Aakash Chopra, and RP Singh analysed Joe Root’s unbeaten 106 and debutant fast bowler Akash Deep’s (3/70) performance on the show 'Match Centre Live'. 

Excerpts:

Anil Kumble, JioCinema and Sports18 expert on Joe Root’s performance: “He kept it very simple and showed exceptional class under difficult circumstances. Whether you are in form or not, you still have to give that respect to bowlers on the first 15-20 balls and that’s exactly what he did. He assessed the conditions and the bowlers at that time. Akash Deep was bowling brilliantly, so he wanted to ensure that he rode through that difficult period. That’s what you expect in a Test match from really class players.”

Also read: Joe Root & Ben Stokes' 'Pinkie' Celebration in IND vs ENG 2024 Ranchi Test

Kumble on Akash Deep’s debut: “He has been very impressive. Yes, the first spell, everyone will talk about because he picked up those three wickets. But even in the second spell, after tea, he was always asking questions. It wasn’t easy. That was something which was very impressive coming from a young man in his first game.”

Owais Shah on Root’s return to form: “There was a lot of chatter around Joe Root’s form and it seemed like he was sitting in a corner on the field. But today, he arrived and how! He announced his game again and batted the way he has scored those 11,000 Test runs, with a straight bat, hitting the bad balls to the boundaries and focused on building partnerships. He batted with responsibility and England will wish him to continue the same way.”

Also read: 'Let the rest play Bazball' - AB de Villiers commends Joe Root's batting template on Day 1 of Ranchi Test

RP Singh on Akash Deep’s performance: “It is difficult to leave your state and play for other states in First Class cricket in India. He took this opportunity and made the most of it. Even today, he justified his selection, on a low and slow pitch, he created an impact and gave his best. The length he bowled was really special, hitting top-of-off worked very well. His journey was tough, he put in his efforts, bowled with intent, with pace and his quick-arm action worked a lot.”

Also read: IND vs ENG 2024: Akash Deep gets maiden Test wicket denied due to no-ball, scalps three quick wickets in response

Aakash Chopra on Akash Deep’s debut: “His new-ball bowling was exceptional. The ball was moving sideways and it was nipping back in at 140 (kph) continuously. The new ball is due for India and I hope he uses the morning freshness and the hard ball tomorrow and he gets a fifer.”