India vs England: No complaints from Joe Root if ICC punish him for fiery dismissal but he insists he didn't edge ball
Root swore as he left the field before kicking a boundary marker and while he insists he didn't hit the ball, he accepts his reaction was not acceptable
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Your support makes all the difference.Joe Root says he can have no complaints if he is sanctioned for the angry reaction to his dismissal on the first day of this fifth Test against India.
England, 3-0 down in the series and in search of a consolation win, reached stumps on 284 for four thanks to an unbeaten 120 from Moeen Ali.
But Root was left stranded on 88 after India profited from a review so speculative even wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel didn’t appeal.
Even though there was an element of doubt in the final decision – Root’s bat also hit the ground moments after a faint spike showed up on Ultra Edge after he attempted to sweep Ravindra Jadeja – third umpire Bruce Oxenford overturned the on-field decision and gave Root out caught behind.
An angry Root appeared to mouth “bulls***” as he walked off and he also kicked out at the boundary marker. That reaction could land him in trouble with the International Cricket Council if the incident is reported by match referee Jeff Crowe.
But the 25-year-old says he has no defence if that is the case. “I was adamant I didn’t hit it but there was a spike on the replay and there is no point moaning about it,” said Root.
“There was frustration there and hopefully I can start growing up a bit more. If I get punished then I’m sure it’s deserved.”
Root’s frustration was evident as this proved the 27th occasion – and fourth time in this series – he has failed to convert a half-century into a three-figure score. Overall of the 38 times he has passed 50 in Tests, Root has only gone on to reach a hundred 11 times.
The Yorkshireman was also 11 runs short of passing Michael Vaughan mark of 1481 for the most Test runs by an England player in a calendar year.
“It’s very frustrating the amount of times I have got into a good position and can’t kick on,” said Root. “I will sit down and have a think in the new year. Hopefully Santa will help me out and fill the stocking with some runs. The milestones don’t mean anything if you don't win any games but if you’re scoring big hundreds you’re giving the team a chance of winning.”
Moeen’s fifth Test century has done that for England here in Chennai.
27
The number of times Joe Root has passed 50 without reaching a century
Root added: “It was really impressive to see Moeen bat like that. The more experience and the added responsibility of batting four is something he thrives on. Hopefully this is just the start.”
Root also backed Alastair Cook to remain as Test captain even though the under-pressure incumbent said this week his deputy was “ready” to take over the role whenever he left the job.
“Cooky has been a fantastic captain,” he said. “Hopefully he does stay in the job, he’s a great leader who can take us forward.”
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