England came back strong after a setback at Lord's and won the third Test match against India with sheer domination. They defeated Virat Kohli-led India side by an innings and 76 runs as the visitors got bowled out for 278 runs in the second innings on Saturday (August 28).
England's captain Joe Root praised the bowlers for their effort which helped them level the series by 1-1. He mentioned James Anderson and Ollie Robinson who put the pressure on India with three maidens early on Day 4 which resulted in wickets.
"It was a fantastic and clinical performance from the bowlers. The two big lads (James Anderson and Ollie Robinson) put loads of pressure with three maidens, and we had a really good opportunity to take wickets and we took them ruthlessly," Root told the host broadcasters at the end of the game.
Asked about the outstanding performance by both, batters and bowlers, Root said, "We know we are capable of performances like this, and we have the talent, that opening stand was fantastic too. We controlled and hung in with the new ball, and we reaped the rewards."
Anderson completed 400 wickets at home and Root said he's the greatest of all times in Test cricket. "Anderson churns out performances like that and that's why he's the GOAT of Test cricket. He's very fit and sets an example for the other bowlers," Root said.
"Dawid played beautifully and started a bit cautiously, but once he got going, he was fluent like he'd been playing the last few years, so the international experience came to the fore," he added praise for Dawid Malan who returned to the Test side after being dropped in 2018.
The English captain also spoke on his performance and said he was happy to get a hundred at his home ground. Root has been in magnificent form this year with non-stop hundreds in Test cricket.
"As a batter, you are expected to go out and score every time and I am happy I've managed to score a few. It's been a while since I got a hundred in my home ground and I hope we can carry this form forward as a team into the Oval," he said.
"Robinson has been brilliant, and he's asked good questions of their defense. He's managed to move the ball throughout the innings, not just with the new ball.
"Sam is a talented player, and he may not be at his absolute best, but he will do special things for England. He showed last time we played India that he could play wonderful knocks, take key wickets, so I'm not worried about him at all. He has a lot of character and he will get better sooner rather than later.
"As this is my home ground, I've watched a lot of cricket here, so I thank them for all the great support," Root concluded.
(With ANI Inputs)
