IND vs ENG: Joe Root Owes Me One Of His Centuries: Alex Lees After Getting Run Out By Former England Captain

After being run out by the former captain in England’s opener, Alex Lees made fun of the fact that Joe Root owed him one of his centuries.

As the hosts chased a record 378 runs in the fourth innings at Edgbaston, the left-handed hitter looked solid during his 56 from 65 balls against India. 

Alex Lees Sacrifices His Wicket For Joe Root

The Indian assault, which was on fire in the first innings, was thwarted under the leadership of Lees and Crawley, who also showed positive purpose. 

Batting at a strike rate close to 90, Lees appeared to be headed for a century but was caught in a run-out. He inside-edged a Ravindra Jadeja delivery to short fine leg, and when he saw Joe Root charging at him, he immediately began racing to the other end.

He was dismissed because he was unable to make it to the non-striker’s end in time due to the respect he showed to his former England captain’s request. Mohammed Shami threw the ball, which Jadeja scooped up and used to pull the stumps apart. 

Joe Root Will Get The Job Done Tomorrow: Alex Lees

In the post-play news conference, Lees expressed his regret at being run out in such a manner and expressed optimism that Root will succeed on the last day of the Test match. 

“Yeah, I mean, he (Joe Root) could lend me one of his Test 100’s. He has got plenty of them. But no, yeah, I mean, I saw him briefly when he came off the field and, obviously, gutted. I think that, on a personal level, obviously being run-out in two innings now is, obviously, quite hard to take.

But the pleasing thing, for me, is that we are in an amazing position as a team and I have run-out people in my career – it is a horrible feeling. It is nothing that you obviously mean to do. So yeah, I mean, he (Joe Root) is a top guy and, hopefully, he will get the job done tomorrow (lead England to victory on Tuesday),” Lees said. 

Having seven wickets in hand, England just needs 119 runs. Jonny Bairstow (72) and Joe Root (76) are both batting at the crease. 

Also Read: ENG vs IND: Rohit Sharma Hits Net Practice After Coming Out Of Isolation Period