ROOT ONE!

‘Bazball’ does it again as Joe and Bairstow set up yet ANOTHER record-breaking England victory

- GIDEON BROOKS

JOE ROOT and Jonny Bairstow have England eyeing a record-breaking Test win in yet another stunning run chase.

Ben Stokes’ men need another 119 runs to win with seven wickets remaining to reach their target of 378 on a final-day free-ticket full house at Edgbaston.

England’s previous highest run chase was the dramatic and unlikely 359 inspired by now skipper Stokes against Australia at Headingley in 2019.

Yorkshire duo Root – on 76 – and Bairstow (72) racked up a brilliant unbeaten 150run partnership and unless India can produce something remarkable, will deliver victory and draw the series which was carried over from last year.

Bairstow certainly has previous with his stunning match-winning knocks in the 3-0 series win against New Zealand – victories under the new Bazball era of Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum which have thrilled England cricket fans.