After the second day of the fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy ended with the visitors holding a 52-run lead, India pacer Prasidh Krishna shed light on his exchange with England’s Joe Root. The incident took place during England’s first innings and quickly became one of the talking points of the day’s play.
When Root came out to bat, England were sitting comfortably at 129 for 2 in reply to India’s first-innings 224. But the momentum began to shift as the Indian bowlers tightened the screws. Prasidh produced a delivery that zipped past Root’s outside edge before the former England captain opened his account. That moment led to a brief verbal battle between the pair.
Joe Root tried to respond in kind. On the very next ball, he guided the delivery for a four and offered a reply of his own. The situation grew tense enough for umpire Kumar Dharmasena to step in. KL Rahul also entered the conversation, questioning if they were expected to "stay quiet" and "just bat, bowl and go home."
Also read: IND vs ENG: Watch Joe Root get angry at Prasidh Krishna as tempers flare at the Oval
Prasidh Krishna Reveals Story Behind Confrontation with Joe Root
Speaking to BBC’s Test Match Special after play, Prasidh Krishna said he was surprised at the reaction his comment drew from Root.
"I don’t know why Rooty [reacted]. I just said, ‘You’re looking in great shape,’ and then it turned into a lot of abuse and all of that," Prasidh said as quoted to the BBC’s Test Match Special.
"That was the plan, but I didn’t expect the couple of words I said to get such a big reaction from him," he added.
Prasidh further praised Root and called him a legend of the game despite what happened on the field.
"I love the guy that he is, he is a legend of the game. It’s just when two people are out there wanting to be a winner and wanting to be the best in that moment. It was just a small thing, the competitive edge coming out. Both of us are good mates off the field and it was just a bit of banter."
The 29-year-old also shared that such exchanges are part of his natural approach when bowling.
"That’s just who I am when I’m bowling, when I’m enjoying. If it means that I have a bit of a chatter with the batter… and it does help me when I can get under the nerves of the batsman and get a reaction from them. But I love the guy that he is. He is a legend of the game and I think it is great when two people are out there wanting to do the best and be a winner at a given moment," he added.
Root’s stay at the crease was cut short for 29, while Prasidh finished with career-best Test figures of 4/62, helping India keep England within reach.
Marcus Trescothick’s Take on the Incident
England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick felt the Indian attack had deliberately tried a different tactic against Root, given his strong form in the previous Tests.
"I think they made a comment, didn’t they? He [Prasidh] obviously tried to get after him [Root] and spark him up a little bit. Maybe they have seen him play so well over the last couple of games that India tried a different approach, and Joe bit back, as sometimes he does."
"Normally, he is the sort of guy who just laughs and giggles and allows things to happen, but today he just chose a different route. Everyone has their own method of dealing with that sort of approach, and today Joe bit back," Trescothick stated.
India restricted England to 247 runs in the first innings. At stumps on Day 2, India’s score reads 75/2. They currently lead by 52 runs.
Also read: IND vs ENG: Prasidh Krishna & Mohammed Siraj's terrific display helps India fight on Day 2
