On the third day of the ongoing first Test between India and England in Chennai, England skipper Joe Root grabbed a one-handed stunner to dismiss India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane.
It all happened in the 27th over of India’s first innings. Rahane stepped out of his crease to drive a Dominic Bess delivery through the cover region. However, Root, who had no time to move towards the ball, timed his dive to perfection to put on display a praiseworthy effort.
Coming in to bat at No. 5 in the 25th over, Rahane departed after scoring just one run.
Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar during commentatory hailed the England captain for taking a blinder in the Chennai Test. “Joe Root can do nothing wrong,” Gavaskar said.
'Joe Root can do nothing wrong'
-Sunil GavaskarAbsolute Blinder from @root66 #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/1Hewdltgix
— Wolf! (@Raj48Wizard) February 7, 2021
Chasing England’s first innings total of 578, India were 257 for 6 in 74 overs at the close of play.
Oh well, now Rahane gives it straight into the hands of Root. India in deep trouble here.#INDvsENG
— Reema Malhotra (@ReemaMalhotra8) February 7, 2021
With India still trailing by over 300 runs, the hosts are in real danger of being asked to follow on and bat again.
Brief scores: India 257/6 (Rishabh Pant 91, Cheteshwar Pujara 73; Dom Bess 4-55, Jofra Archer 2-52) trail England 578 (Joe Root 218, Dominic Sibley 87; Jasprit Bumrah 3-84) by 321 runs.