Cricket

ENG vs IND 2021: We certainly believed we could win – Joe Root

 

England captain Joe Root believes his team could have won the first Test match against India at Trent Bridge, Nottingham had rain not abandoned the final day of the opening Test. England required another nine wickets and had only 157 runs in the bank to make a winning start to the five-match Test series.

The weather would have been cloudy had play been possible on the final day and the England bowlers would have definitely licked their lips in such favourable conditions. In fact, the Indian batting unit hasn’t been at its usual best in the last couple of years and it won’t have been a cake walk for the Indian team to chase down the target of 209 runs.

Meanwhile, India took a good lead of 95 runs in the first innings and they were definitely on top. However, Joe Root played a fluent knock of 109 runs as he batted at the top of his game. The England captain brought his 21st Test hundred and helped his team post a score of 303 runs in the second dig as the hosts were able to set a target of 209 runs.

India got off to a good start in the second essay as they were 52-1 at the end of the penultimate day. Thus, it would have been a great contest had rain not played killjoy on the final day of the Test match. In fact, Indian captain Virat Kohli also believes that his team was on top and they were the favorites to win the first Test match.

Joe Root said in the post-match presentation, “The weather disrupted what would have been a very interesting final day. Great Test match to play in and watch as well. Sets up the series really well and hopefully we can take it into the next games. We certainly believed we could win. We knew we would have opportunities if we took our catches and kept our fields. It’s a shame it ended this way. There are certain areas where we want to get better. We want to get better at the top of the order and take our catches. We need strong characters. We want to keep that enthusiasm in, it is fun scoring runs and a fun game”.

“Really relishing the opportunities in front of us. We have to deal with the schedule changes and the setup changes. The experienced guys have it easier going from white ball to Test cricket, but the younger guys might not have that experience. It must be quite challenging for our youngsters, but that’s no excuse. To finally get to my century was a relief given how I played throughout the day. I think India have a very good seam attack and credit to them for the way they bowled. I just wanted to put the pressure back on them with a few shots. Certainly feel full of confidence on the back of that”.

The second Test match will take place at Lord’s from 12 August.

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Indian Women’s Hockey Team Faces Relegation Threat as It Ends Pro League Campaign Against China

The Indian women’s hockey team finds itself in a high-stakes battle for survival as it… Read More

June 27, 2025

Sanju Samson to CSK? Trade Rumours Swirl as Potential Blockbuster Swap with Ashwin and Dube Surfaces

In what could be one of the most sensational trades in IPL history, rumours are… Read More

June 27, 2025

Mohun Bagan Secure ₹8.1-Crore Deal for Tekcham Abhishek Singh in One of Indian Football’s Biggest Transfers

Mohun Bagan are on the verge of completing the high-profile signing of full-back Tekcham Abhishek… Read More

June 27, 2025

Mohammad Shami urges Indian fast bowlers to talk to Jasprit Bumrah and learn from him ahead of 2nd Test against England

Indian fast bowler Mohammad Shami wants Indian pacers to have a discussion with Jasprit Bumrah… Read More

June 27, 2025

Aakash Chopra opens up on Jasprit Bumrah reportedly missing ENG vs IND 2025 2nd Test

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has expressed concerns after it has been reported that… Read More

June 27, 2025

R Sridhar backs Yashasvi Jaiswal after Leeds fielding nightmare

India’s former fielding coach R Sridhar has put his weight behind Yashasvi Jaiswal after the… Read More

June 27, 2025