Published: Sep 11, 2018, 11:31 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 11, 2018, 11:31 PM (IST)
England skipper Joe Root called the 4-1 series win over India a gratifying one after registering a 118-run win on the final day of the fifth and the final Test at The Kia Oval, London on Tuesday.
“Very gratifying,” said Root during the post-match presentation adding, “It has been a very tough series. India have played some exceptional cricket. And it has been some special stuff from our guys as well. Everyone watching would have been thrilled as well. It shows Test cricket is still in a good place.”
With India under the pump at 58 for three, England would have hoped to wrap up the match early, but a massive 204-run stand for the sixth wicket between KL Rahul (149) and and Rishabh Pant (114) ignited faint hopes of an Indian win, but Root admitted that there were a few nerves when duo was batting.
“ There were a few nerves. India batted really well to get into that position in the final session. So, credit to India for batting well and to our lads for performing in the manner like we did in the end,” said.
With England claiming the series 4-1, it was a fitting farewell for retiring Alastair Cook, who also walked away with the Man-of-the-Match award for his 71 and 147 in the match. Talking about Cook, Root had this to say: “I mean Alastair has been such an exceptional player for such a long time. He has been a huge part of our dressing room. the way he goes about things and the way he sets up standards. I thought the reception he has had over this Test has been fitting.”
Fittingly, James Anderson claimed the final wicket to fall, that of Mohammad Shami, thus becoming the highest wicket-taker among pacers with 564 wickets, surpassing Australian legend Glenn McGrath’s tally of 563. And Root said Jimmy has at least two more years in him.
“Jimmy has a lot left I am sure. To achieve what he has is unbelievable,” he said, adding. “He has been bowling as well as he ever has. Hopefully, he can continue for many more years.”
While the scoreline may read as dominating one, but India brought the fight to England and Root acknowledged that this young England team still has a lot to learn.
“We are growing all the time as a team. We have got some good experienced players who have done well. Some young guys have stood up and performed. We have a lot of learning to do to reach where we want to,” he added.
