Joe Root believes England are well positioned to complete a tense run chase against India and lift the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, needing only 35 runs on the final day at The Oval.
Speaking after play ended early on Sunday due to rain and poor light, Root said the dressing room remained confident that England’s lower order could finish the job.
“I’d like to think we have got what we need to get across the line tomorrow,” Root said. He scored a match-shaping century, his third of the series, which kept England in control of the five-match contest. “It’s been one hell of a series, one hell of a journey. The confidence in our dressing room is clear. We feel we have the players to get us across the line. But it’s been five matches in six weeks where it’s swung both ways the whole time. And we are in for a great day tomorrow.”
Bad light and returning rain forced an early close of play at The Oval, ending the final session an hour ahead of schedule. The decision drew boos from the disappointed crowd, but both teams accepted the umpires’ call without protest.
For England’s Joe Root, however, the stoppage presented a tactical opportunity. He noted that the delay would allow them to use the heavy roller in the morning, a move he believes has consistently given them an advantage during the series.
“In terms of the roller, we’ll see,” Root said. “I haven’t got a crystal ball, but it has made an impact so far. Whether that changes on day five, we’ll see, but hopefully it works in our favor in flattening things out.”
India’s bowlers had built pressure in the final session, with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna picking up two quick wickets and limiting scoring. Still, Root believes the heavy roller and a night of rest could swing momentum back to the batters.
Morne Morkel, India’s assistant coach, echoed Root’s acceptance of the early finish. “As we can see, it’s pretty wet out there now,” he said. “It’s going to take a while to get the covers off. The ground staff has been incredible this whole Test with the interruptions. End of the day, that’s out of our control.”
England will resume play on Monday with a chance to secure the series 3-1. With Root’s century anchoring the chase and the lower order ready, the stage is set for a decisive morning at The Oval.
