In the fifth Test at The Oval against England, Indian fast bowler Prasidh Krishna spoke about his duel with English batter Joe Root, saying it was just the heat of competition bringing out their passion. It’s just part of my bowling.
After India was all out for 224 early in the day, England dominated, with openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley putting up a 92-run stand. But after Crawley was out, Prasidh and Mohammed Siraj sparked a batting collapse, leaving England seven wickets down for 215. One of the key moments was when Prasidh stared down Root, and the usually calm English batter got animated. They also exchanged words.
Talking about his battle with Root, Prasidh said in the post-day press conference, I think it was just us being competitive; we’re good friends off the field. It was just some friendly trash talk and we both enjoyed it.
He added that trying to rattle a batter and chat with him is something he does as a bowler. It’s part of who I am. I think I was just bowling well and enjoying it. Maybe a wicket or two would have made it even better, he said. Prasidh didn’t expect Root to get so worked up during their exchange. But like I said, I respect him a lot; he’s a legend. I think it’s great when two people are trying their best to win, he concluded.
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In the match, England sent India to bat first and bowled them out for 224. Karun Nair (57 off 109 balls, 8 fours) and Washington Sundar (26 off 55 balls, 3 fours) had a 50-run partnership for the seventh wicket which was the most important part of the innings. Gus Atkinson (5/33) and Josh Tongue (3/57) were the best bowlers for England.
In England’s first innings, Crawley (64 off 57 balls, 14 fours) and Ben Duckett (43 off 38 balls, 5 fours, 2 sixes) put up a 92-run stand. After both openers were out, Prasidh (4/62) and Siraj (4/83) caused a batting collapse. Harry Brook (53 off 64 balls, 5 fours, 1 six) scored a fifty but couldn’t stop England from being bowled out for 247 and getting a small 23-run lead.End of day, 75/2, Jaiswal 51*, Akash Deep 4*. 52 ahead.
