England Back Underfire Root, Bairstow To Keep India Series Alive

Joe Root (Image Source: Google)

England are blocking out all "external noise" to help Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow hit form and keep the series alive against India in Friday's fourth Test in Ranchi.

After England slumped to their second-worst defeat since 1934 in terms of runs in the third Test, Ben Stokes' side are 2-1 down and must win or draw to avoid losing the series with a game to spare.

England's attacking "Bazball" brand of cricket came under fire after the dismal 434-run Rajkot defeat, with the lack of runs for Root and Bairstow highlighted.

Bairstow, whose rapid scoring in the middle order has been a key to England's attacking play, has 102 runs from six innings with a highest of 37.

"I'm not blind but he's done so well for us (in the past) and he's had such an impactful career," England coach Brendon McCullum said of Bairstow, who will win his 99th cap in Ranchi.

"We've got to keep on giving him confidence and block out a lot of the external noise and keep him really present and focused on what he's trying to achieve, and I'm sure Jonny will come good."

Root's reverse scoop dismissal off Jasprit Bumrah on the third morning triggered a collapse from a strong position at 224-2 to 319 all out, handing India a crucial 126-run first-innings lead.

Root, who has scored 11,493 runs in 138 Tests with 30 centuries, made just seven runs as England imploded to 122 all out in the second innings and never remotely threatened their 557 victory target.

"It's Joe Root, crikey," said McCullum as he batted away criticism of the former captain's lean spell.

"I mean, seriously? The law of averages suggests he'll fill his boots in the next two."

All-rounder Stokes, who said he would play purely as a batsman in this series after recovering from knee surgery, could bowl in Ranchi in a badly needed boost for England.

"There's definitely a chance," vice-captain Ollie Pope told reporters on Wednesday.

"He's not confirmed it even in the changing room, so we will see. He bowled at the batters today. See how he pulls up, and if that's good, hopefully we will see him with the ball in hand in the game."

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