Need to put a bit of pressure back on India pace attack: Joe Root

England captain Joe Root believes his team needs to put a bit of pressure back on the Indian pace attack.

The hosts have heavily relied on the shoulders of Joe Root to do the bulk of the scoring whereas the rest of the England batsmen have failed to deliver the goods.

Meanwhile, India’s pace battery has been relentless and they are coming up with a collective effort. Mohammed Siraj has impressed in his young career and he had scalped eight wickets in the Lord’s Test. Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah have all the experience under their belt and they also have been right on the money.

Thus, India’s fast bowling unit have dictated the terms in the first two Test matches against England and Root feels his side will need to turn the tables to put the pressure back on the visitors.

Root has amassed 386 runs in two Test matches at an astonishing average of 128.66 and he has been the best batsman of the series. However, the rest of the England batsmen have failed to provide the support to their skipper.

Root gave credit to the Indian pace bowling unit for making the most of the conditions on offer and getting the best out of themselves.

“I think credit to India, they have got a wonderful attack. Look around Test cricket and there are some fantastic bowling attacks out there. A lot of them have the expertise to manage these conditions very well. India have certainly done that in this series.”

“We have got to be smart and find ways to counter that. The one thing they have is good balance, they have variety and (the bowlers have) different release points. As players, you have got to keep finding ways to counter that. You have to find ways to get off strike and score as well. You need to put a bit of pressure back on them and be able to soak it as well.”

On the other hand, England is missing an impact player like Ben Stokes. However, Root clarified that he didn’t have a word with Stokes regarding his comeback. Stokes had pulled out of the series as he had taken an indefinite break from the game to prioritise his mental well-being.

“No, I am not having any conversations with Ben (Stokes) over his return to cricket. He needs to spend some time looking after himself, doing what is right for him. For a long time, he has put this team and England cricket ahead of a number of different things.

“I think it is important that people respect that. I certainly do as England captain. From my point of view, there is no pressure on him to do anything else but look after himself right now.”