Even though Joe Root is regarded as one of the finest batters in Test-match cricket, the right-handed batter has played not one but quite a few shots that have come into the game's purest format from its limited-overs versions in the Ashes 2023 opener. And the story was no different on Day 4 at the Edgbaston in Birmingham. In what was only the second over of the day, Root showed his class and showed what exactly is the Bazball way of Test match cricket. Making his intention of taking the attack to the opposition quite clear, Root played a reverse scoop for a six and then played the same shot for a boundary. His counter-attacking approach came after England began the Day at 28 for 2 with a lead of just 35. However, it was Root's approach that allowed them to breathe a bit ease. A video of the former England skipper's shots has gone viral.
Take a look:
Talking about the match, the hosts were bowled out for 273 in their second innings with Root making 46 off 55 balls after his first-innings hundred. This implies that Australia will need 281 runs to win the Test match in four sessions remaining. For Australia, captain Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowlers as he returned with figures of 4 for 63. He got rid of Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Ben Stokes and James Anderson. Nathan Lyon followed his four-wicket haul in the first innings with another 4/80 in the second. Scott Boland and Josh Hazlewood were the other wicket-takers.
With a bit of rain also expected in the remaining time in the match, all the three results seems a possibility as of now. Australia, however, would look to make a good start before thinking of getting closer to the target. Wickets upfront would heavilty tilt the balance of the match in favour of the the Three Lions.