Root loses his cool as India keep series on a knife edge

India fought back from the brink of no return to lead by 52 runs with two wickets down, as fiery flashpoints emerged in England's first innings on day two

- writes Kieran Jackson

For India, as this enthralling Test series against England seemed to be slipping away, something radical was required. In this latest episode of England and India’s poking and bickering and all-out fire and fury, the piping hot visitors went for the jugular, just after lunch on day two. And in doing so, they swung this contest back into an area of neutrality, once more a one-innings shootout of sorts, heading into the final three days.

It should be stated that the advantage remains in England’s corner. Not only did they register a 23-run lead after the first innings, but they can play the remainder of the match in the knowledge that a draw is as good as a win, as they look to claim their biggest Test series victory in head coach Brendon McCullum’s three-year reign. But under the dark clouds of south London on Friday, a dark cloud surprisingly descended for England’s most accomplished performer.

Joe Root is many things. A great batsman, of course. A fierce competitor, yes. But he is rarely one for explosiveness, whether it be at the crease or with his words. Even as captain, amid much hardship, his equanimity rarely wavered. But here, in the eye of a Prasidh Krishna-inspired storm, he lost his cool. A tad rattled, the strangeness of what occurred reverberated through England’s batting order, leaving India firmly in the match.