While England can no longer win the ongoing Ashes series after the rain-affected fourth Test ended in a draw, the home fans were treated with a bit of cricketing brilliance by their former skipper Joe Root. While Root's main claim to fame is his remarkable record especially in the game's purest format, this time around it was his fielding effort that made headlines on Friday (July 28). Root's effort saw the back of Australia's Marnus Labuschangne in their first innings.
Fans got to witness Root's superb catch on the fifth ball of the 43rd over of the Australian innings which was bowled by Mark Wood. The England speedster got the ball to bounce from a rapid pace and with him being on target in terms of his line, Labuschangne was temped to play at it but only managed to edge it after which Root did the rest, pulling of a blinder of a catch with his left hand.
The video of Root's catch has gone viral on social media.
Root's catch brought an end to Labuschagne's innings for 9 off 82 deliveries. Earlier, England were bowled out for 283 with Mitchell Starc being the pick of the bowlers for 4 for 82. Todd Murphy and Josh Hazlewood scalped 2 wickets apiece while Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh picked up a wicket each. In response, Steven Smith has been the best batter for Australia with his innings of 71 before he got out to Chris Woakes. Usman Khawaja also impressed with his 47 but fell to Stuart Broad.
Even though Australia have alreadt retained the Ashes, they would look to win this match and end the series on a high. Even a draw would help them win the series with the visitors leading 2-1 after four Tests.