England’s key batter Joe Root gave a direct reply when asked whether the heavy roller could help their team during the final stages of their run chase in the fifth Test against India at The Oval. Play ended early due to rain, and England can use the roller before play begins on Day 5. The team, led by Ollie Pope, needs just 35 more runs to reach the target of 374.
According to the rules, the batting side can use a roller either at the start of the day or before the beginning of an innings. Over time, regular use of the roller and the drying of the pitch have caused the surface to lose its green color and become easier to bat on.
With the new ball only a few overs away and India’s pace bowlers well-rested for the final push, England will hope the roller helps flatten the pitch further. However, Joe Root said he was unsure how much of an effect it would actually have on the final day.
“I have not got a crystal ball unfortunately (on whether roller would help England on Day 5), but it has made an impact so far throughout this game. Hopefully it works in our favor and flatten things out,” Root said during the press conference after Day 4 (via Times of India).
Root Confident As England Eye Series Win On Final Day
The star batter also mentioned that England are well-placed to chase down the remaining runs and secure the series victory on Day 5.
“I’d like to think that we are going to (win the series). We have got what we need to get across the line tomorrow. It’s been one hell of a series, one hell of a journey. The confidence in the dressing room, clearly we feel we have got the players to get us across the line. I think we are in for a great day tomorrow,” he added.
England currently have Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton at the crease, with Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue next in line. Although Chris Woakes was initially ruled out of the remainder of the Test due to a shoulder dislocation on Day 1, he may still come out to bat if necessary.
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