“Like Rishabh Pant Did” – Joe Root Says Injured Chris Woakes Will Bat vs India on Day 5
Joe Root confirms injured Chris Woakes will bat on Day 5 vs India in Oval Test, despite shoulder pain, as England eye series win.
The fifth Test between India and England at The Oval is heading towards a tense finish. England need just 35 more runs to win the match and seal the series 3-1. But the mood in the England camp is mixed.
Joe Root, who scored a brilliant 105 in the second innings, spoke to the media after the end of Day 4. He admitted he was frustrated not to finish the match himself.
“I should have hit that for four. It was my mistake,” Root said while reflecting on his dismissal.
England were 339 for 6 when bad light and rain stopped play. With just a few runs to win, the game is still open, especially with the new ball due early on Day 5.
Chris Woakes Will Bat Despite Injury
Root confirmed that all-rounder Chris Woakes will come out to bat, even though he is injured. Woakes hurt his shoulder while fielding on Day 1 and hasn’t bowled or batted since.
But Root said, “You saw him in whites… Chris Woakes is all in!”
He praised Woakes for showing the same spirit Rishabh Pant had shown earlier in the series while batting with an injury.
Root Jokes About Siraj
Joe Root also had a light moment during the press conference. He joked about Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj.
“Siraj has this fake angriness,” Root smiled. “But I enjoy playing against him. He gives it everything.”
India, though under pressure, will hope for one final twist. With the new ball coming and England’s lower order left, they will need early wickets on Day 5. Prasidh Krishna and Siraj will once again lead the charge.
England are still favourites to win, but India need a miracle to draw the series 2-2.
