Prasidh Krishna issues official statement on Joe Root fight

Team India fast bowler Prasidh Krishna opened up about his exchange with Joe Root on Day 2 (Friday, August 1) of the fifth and final Test at The Oval in London. Krishna revealed that it was a tactic to disrupt the veteran batter’s rhythm, adding that it was friendly banter and on-field competitiveness.

The match between India and England is evenly poised after the second day. India resumed at 204 for 6 in their first innings but managed to add only 20 more runs before being bowled out for 224. England scored 247 runs despite a flying start. India reached 75 for 2 after 18 overs in their second innings.

Prasidh Krishna and Joe Root Involved in Heated Verbal Exchange on Day 2

England scored 105 for 1 in just 15 overs. However, India bounced back with a strong bowling performance, led by Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj, who claimed four wickets each. Siraj is now the leading wicket-taker in the series with 18 scalps.

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Joe Root and Prasidh Krishna engaged in a heated on-field confrontation. Root exchanged words with Krishna after hitting him for a boundary. Umpire Kumar Dharmasena had to step in and separate the players, an incident that caught the attention of fans.

Despite England’s aggressive start, India clawed their way back into the match. They bowled out the hosts for 247, reducing the lead to just 23 runs. India’s pace attack shifted the momentum in the post-lunch session.

Also Read: Watch: Kumar Dharmasena threatens to ban KL Rahul after Joe Root-Prasidh Krishna fight in Oval Test

He Is a Legend of the Game - Prasidh Krishna, After an Exchange with Joe Root

Speaking about his on-field exchange with Joe Root on Day 2, Prasidh Krishna admitted that his comments were a strategic move to disrupt the batter’s rhythm. He said that they share a good relationship, and added that the banter was something both enjoyed in the heat of battle.

"That was the plan. But I didn't expect the couple of words that I said to get such a big reaction from him. But I love the guy that he is. He is a legend of the game, and it's great when two people are out there wanting to do their best," the Indian pacer commented.

"It's a very small thing. It was just the competitive edge among us that was coming out. Both of us are good mates off the field. It was just a little bit of banter and both of us enjoyed it," he added.

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Joe Root's innings came to an end after scoring 29 from 45 balls. He was trapped leg-before by Mohammed Siraj. The delivery came back in sharply and struck Root on the knee roll, leaving the England batter with no chance of survival.

Joe Root Reacted a Bit Differently This Time - Marcus Trescothick

England batting coach Marcus Trescothick also spoke about the exchange between Joe Root and Prasidh Krishna. Trescothick stated that Root's response was out of character but insisted there was nothing serious about the incident.

“Nothing major—just the usual stuff you hear in a competitive game. Joe reacted a bit differently this time, but it wasn’t anything serious,” Trescothick said in the press conference after the day’s play.

Prasidh Krishna finished with figures of 4 for 62 in the first innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 51, with nightwatchman Akash Deep (4) at the other end. The visiting team holds a 52-run lead with eight wickets in hand after a day dominated by the bowlers.

Also Read: Watch: Joe Root turns Virat Kohli in explosive fight with Prasidh Krishna at The Oval