After putting together a massive 269-run stand for the unbroken fourth wicket with Bairstow, Root went on to smash a masterful 142 not out, his 28th test century.
19 bounds and a six were scattered throughout Root’s beautiful hundred.
England won with two sessions remaining because to Bairstow’s undefeated 114, which featured 15 fours and a six. It was his second hundred of the match.
In an Ashes test against Australia in 2019, England achieved a 359-run goal thanks to Stokes’ magnificent undefeated century, breaking their previous record for the most successful run chase.
It was an incredible comeback by England, who had been in trouble after giving up a large first-innings lead of 132.
Since Brendon McCullum took over as the team’s head coach and Ben Stokes took over as captain, Root and Bairstow have displayed the type of persistent aggressiveness that is swiftly becoming as the trademark of this England test side.
Because of his increased self-assurance, Root played an adventurous reverse-scoop against Shardul Thakur that went over for a six. He did this while moving out against the seamer and treating Thakur like a spinner.
With a precise single, Bairstow reached his fourth century in five innings before hammering Mohammed Siraj with three straight home runs.
Pundits criticise “timid” India
As England’s Bairstow and Root smashed hundreds to destroy the visitors, players and analysts criticised India’s batting.
England scored a special victory to tie the series. The legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar posted on Twitter, ““Special win by England to level the series. Joe Root & Jonny Bairstow have been in sublime form and made batting look very easy,”
“Congratulations to England on a convincing victory.” Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle hit out at India.
“The 8th largest run-chase in history has been a stroll in the park. Bat hasn’t faced a challenge from the ball for the last 200 runs,” he tweeted.
Former India fast bowler Irfan Pathan tweeted: “This victory of team England should hurt Team India. That was too easy.”
The batsman were criticised by former coach Ravi Shastri for their defensive strategy.
“They needed to bat two sessions and I thought they were defensive, they were timid today, especially after lunch,”
After day four of the series on Monday, Shastri, who was the coach when India led 2-1, made a statement.
“Even after they had lost those wickets, they could have taken some chances. Runs were important at that stage of the game and I thought they just went into a shell, lost those wickets too quickly, and gave enough time for England to bat today.”
Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag stated that following the defeat, India needs to consider.
“India have quite a few issues to address, only Pujara & Pant from the top 6 scoring runs and Jadeja batting brilliantly, but need batsman to be in form,” Sehwag tweeted.
The former opening batsmanr added, “Bowling in the fourth innings was absolutely listless,”
