India’s Prasidh Krishna Reveals Plan to Rattle Joe Root in Test Clash

India pacer Prasidh Krishna disclosed that provoking England’s batting linchpin Joe Root was a deliberate tactic during day two of the fifth Test at The Oval, igniting a fiery exchange that required umpire intervention. The Karnataka seamer, who claimed a four-wicket haul alongside Mohammed Siraj, said the strategy to unsettle Root, a “legend of the game,” paid dividends as India staged a dramatic comeback after England’s aggressive start, led by Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley.

The tense moment unfolded in the 22nd over when Root, typically unflappable, reacted animatedly to Prasidh’s comments after conceding a boundary. “It was just a competitive edge. Both of us are good mates off the field, but a bit of banter was part of the plan,” Prasidh said at the post-day press conference. “I didn’t expect such a big reaction from a couple of words, but it shows how much he cares.” The 29-year-old admitted that engaging opponents verbally often sharpens his performance. “It helps me get under their nerves and brings out my best,” he said, crediting his rhythm for India’s dominance in the second session.

India’s pace trio—Prasidh, Siraj, and Akash Deep—regrouped after a torrid morning where England’s openers smashed runs at will. “We got together in a small corner and decided what’s happened has happened,” Prasidh revealed. “We trusted each other to bowl the right lines and show strong body language.” The strategy shift paid off, with India’s disciplined bowling restricting England and dismissing key batsmen, including Root, who fell for 67. Prasidh emphasized the challenge of facing England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach. “They play a lot of shots, but if you stick to your lengths and lines, it’s a matter of time,” he said, highlighting the importance of consistency against a side known for unorthodox strokeplay.

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The day wasn’t without controversy. Akash Deep’s unusual send-off to Ben Duckett, wrapping an arm around the England opener after his dismissal, drew criticism from England’s batting coach Marcus Trescothick. “I’ve never seen a bowler do that after getting someone out,” Trescothick remarked, calling it unnecessary. “Many in my time would’ve dropped an elbow instead. You just walk off—your job is done.” He acknowledged the series’ heated exchanges but found Akash’s gesture, following Duckett’s 86 off 79 balls, particularly odd, though he brushed it off with a laugh.

The incident adds to the series’ spicy undercurrent, with both teams trading verbal jabs throughout. India’s fightback, driven by Prasidh (4/76) and Siraj (4/84), left England at 316/7 by stumps, trailing India’s first-innings 427. Social media buzzed with reactions, some fans praising India’s aggression, others questioning Akash’s conduct. “Banter is fine, but walking a batsman off like that crosses a line,” posted @CricketGuru on X. Conversely, @BharatArmyFan celebrated, “Prasidh rattled Root and England! That’s how you fight back!”

The series, tied at 2-2, has been a rollercoaster, with England’s ultra-aggressive batting clashing against India’s versatile attack. Prasidh’s comments reflect India’s intent to match England’s intensity, both with ball and words. Root’s reaction, rare for the composed 35-year-old with over 14,000 Test runs, underscores the pressure India applied. Meanwhile, Akash’s gesture, while unconventional, aligns with India’s fiery approach under captain Rohit Sharma, who has encouraged his bowlers to “give it back” when provoked.

As the Test heads into day three, India aims to capitalize on their momentum, with England’s tail exposed. The outcome could hinge on whether India’s pacers, emboldened by their psychological edge, continue to outfox England’s batsmen. For Prasidh, the banter with Root was a calculated move that paid off, but Trescothick’s remarks suggest England won’t back down easily in this high-stakes finale.

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