Joe Root’s ‘extraordinary’ dismissal sparks horrible England batting collapse on day three against India

Joe Root’s reverse scoop dismissal against India on the morning of day three sparked a horrible England batting collapse.

Root was on 18 when his attempted reverse scoop against Jasprit Bumrah flew into the hands of Yashasvi Jaiswal at second slip.

It was an odd shot choice with the former captain looking comfortable, and it reignited an old Bazball debate with David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd arguing that “he just doesn’t need to do it”.

His dismissal left England on 224-3, and they were all out for 319, leaving India in the driving seat for the remainder of this Test.

It continued what’s been a poor series for Root, who has a high score of 29 in five innings but seemed to be on his way to a return to form with a promising start in Rajkot.

The reverse scoop has become a trademark for Root, who most noticeably attempted the shot off the first ball of day four at Headingley against Australia last summer during the Ashes. 

At the time, England legend Stuart Broad told Sky Sports: “I sit next to Rooty in the changing room actually, and he went to me “I fancy a reverse scoop for six first ball” so I said to him “if it’s in your gut you’ve got to go for it, that’s what we’re all about”.

“And he went “, Ah, I’ll decide when I’m walking out”, so obviously, he didn’t change his mind.”

Root didn’t make contact with that particular delivery during the Ashes, but it has otherwise served him well, having been dismissed just once attempting the shot until this morning. 

Getty

“They’ll be plenty said about that shot!” Exclaimed Bumble when Root was caught during talkSPORT 2’s live and exclusive coverage of the series. “Extraordinary shot. He doesn’t need to do it. He doesn’t. He just scores naturally.

“He’s just got it wrong. He stomped off in high dudgeon. There’s always a reaction when you get a shot like that from a premier player. He was playing nicely, his movement was good. 

“It’s not a conventional shot, there’ll be no third man, and Root will think I’ll manoeuvre the ball down there. It’s probably like any other dismissal. Looks great if it comes off, but you’ll get a reaction if it doesn’t.”

England had made a great start to their pursuit of 445, racing along to well over 200 for the loss of just two wickets.

However, Jonny Bairstow and Ben Duckett soon followed Root back to the pavilion.

Duckett made 153 after scoring the fastest century by an Englishman against India on day two.

Ben Stokes and Ben Foakes briefly steadied the ship before they went out in consecutive deliveries, and the tail didn’t wag for England, meaning they are well behind the game.

Listen to live and exclusive coverage of England’s tour of India on talkSPORT 2.