Oval Test: Nice guy Joe Root loses his cool after verbal volley with Prasidh Krishna

England vs India, 5th Test: Joe Root lost his cool after fast bowler Prasidh Krishna sledged him during the second session on Day 2. The Indian bowlers were fired up after being taken to the cleaners in the first session on Friday.

In Short

• Joe Root did not hold back after fast bowler Prasidh Krishna sledged him
• Umpire Kumar Dharmasena intervened to separate the two players
• India gave away 109 runs in 16 overs in a disappointing first session

It was a sight rarely witnessed in cricket. Joe Root lost his cool and became involved in a heated on-field exchange with India pacer Prasidh Krishna as tempers flared on Day 2 of the Oval Test. Known as one of the nicest cricketers in the game, Root did not hold back when Prasidh had a go at him as early as the first over he faced on Friday, 1 August.

As many pointed out on social media, Root was uncharacteristically unwilling to let it go, continuing to chirp back at Prasidh, who riled the England batting star with a series of verbal volleys in the 24th over of the England innings. Umpire Kumar Dharmasena intervened in time to separate the two players, as the exchange threatened to turn ugly. ENG vs IND 5th Test Day 2 Updates

Mohammed Siraj also became involved, having a word with Root before both sides calmed things down. Even at the end of the over, Root was seen speaking to the umpire-perhaps expressing his displeasure at the incident.

In Prasidh's next over, the Indian pacer attempted to needle Root again, but this time the England batter did not respond.

The Indian bowlers resorted to verbal aggression after being subjected to a leather hunt by England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett in the morning session on Day 2.

Akash Deep was the first to ignite tensions, giving Ben Duckett a send-off after dismissing him in the first session. Akash put an arm around Duckett and had a word as the England opener was making his way back to the dressing room-an action that appeared to irritate Duckett.

Duckett did not respond and simply pulled away, heading towards the pavilion. Several observers criticised Akash's actions as unnecessarily aggressive, particularly given that he had been taken to the cleaners by Duckett and Crawley earlier in the session.

'DEER CAUGHT IN THE HEADLIGHTS'

England scored 109 runs in just 16 overs in the opening session, hitting 21 boundaries. Duckett disrupted the rhythm of the Indian bowlers by batting outside the crease and playing reverse scoops and sweeps. He struck 43 off just 38 balls, including five boundaries and two sixes. He eventually fell in the 13th over, attempting another reverse scoop.

The openers added 92 runs in only 73 balls, falling just eight runs short of a record century stand.

India sorely missed the experience of Jasprit Bumrah on a helpful pitch, as England scored at nearly seven runs per over in the morning. The senior pacer, who was not selected for the fifth Test, was officially released from the squad on Friday. Siraj, Akash, and Prasidh appeared rattled as Duckett and Crawley dismantled their plans with an aggressive and unrelenting approach.

Eventually, Prasidh dismissed Crawley in the second session after the England opener had made 64 off 57 balls, hitting 14 boundaries.

Former India fast bowler Varun Aaron praised the England openers for demoralising the Indian attack during the morning onslaught.

"It's really tough out there for bowlers because England came at them with a complete shock-and-awe approach. The Indian bowlers were caught like deer in the headlights-they simply didn't see it coming. On a wicket like this, as a bowling unit, you expect to make two or three early breakthroughs. But the moment Akash Deep came around the wicket to Duckett and the ball started seaming, Duckett adopted a completely unorthodox approach.

There's only so much a bowler can do-you try to hit the right areas. But as a batting unit, England succeeded by playing with guts, conviction, and clarity. Yes, they had some luck. But as they say, fortune always favours the brave."

- Ends