Duckett responds to Root’s criticism, saying that nicking off is the same as reverse-scooping

Despite having a 322-run advantage, Centurion asserts that India is still “slightly wary” of England.  

Joe Root’s dismissal, which came on the third morning in Rajkot when he reverse-scooped Jasprit Bumrah straight to second slip, should be interpreted in the same manner as him “playing a drive and nicking off.” Ben Duckett, who stood up for his teammate’s shot choice in the face of intense criticism, made that claim.

Since giving up the captaincy almost two years ago, Root has frequently played the reverse-scoop in Test matches, and he has generally been successful in doing so. One year after he was dismissed for eighteen on Saturday, he was out playing the shot for the second time in that period. Neil Wagner’s circumstances were comparable to his own fall in New Zealand.
Scyld Berry, a seasoned journalist, was among those who immediately criticized the shot selection, calling it “the worst, most stupid, shot in the history of England’s Test cricket” in a Telegraph article. “Root’s reverse-scoop at India’s most dangerous bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, wrecked England’s chances of winning this Test and this series,” Berry stated.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan posted on X, formerly Twitter, saying that Ben Stokes is a situation-player rather than a Bazball player. Twenty minutes into an important day, Joe is simply too good to give India such a free wicket when they are down to ten players. Sport is about adjusting your style when it’s appropriate.”

Duckett, though, supported Root’s choice of shots. Duckett told TNT Sports, “Rooty’s a freak: he does things a lot of us can’t do.” That is equivalent, in my opinion, to playing a drive and nicking off to second slip. Rooty executes that shot flawlessly. Those people, I’m sure, weren’t saying that when he was summer-balling  Cummins for six.”
Duckett continued, “I’m just gutted it didn’t go for four or six,” in an interview with the BBC. He has, in my opinion, earned the right to do that. He performed that shot very expertly. I believe it’s the same as when I play a reverse sweep and am caught in a deep point.”

Another former England captain, Nasser Hussain, stated on Sky Sports: “His dismissal encapsulates where we are with Bazball: it will excite and frustrate in equal measure… Joe is only going to consider that shot’s timing. They were shorthanded in the bowls department as Ravi Ashwin was not present due to personal and family matters. [Ravindra] Jadeja is recuperating after an accident.

“There have been rumors that Bumrah needs a break because he is playing three straight Test matches. Attacking is important in bazball, but so is absorbing pressure. Speaking with the management, it’s about understanding when to take the initiative and when to back down. Joe will probably have a look at it himself. Great players act in this way, and he will return. He will be just fine.

Despite having a 322-run lead going into the fourth day, Duckett said that India’s decision to send Kuldeep Yadav in at No. 5 shortly before the close on Saturday evening showed they are “wary” of England. Duckett’s 153 off 151 balls was the only innings of 50 or more by an England batter in their first innings.

When questioned if England were realistically out of the match, Duckett responded, “I think even sending in a nightwatchman when you’re 330 ahead shows that they’re slightly wary of us.” “We’re going to continue the way that we play, and if we get two or three blokes in on that pitch, scoring quickly, you never know what can happen.”

When asked what kind of target England might realistically pursue, Duckett told the BBC that “the more the better.” Making history and achieving exceptional things are the core values of this team. We’ll go grab them, so they may have as many as they like.”