Watch: Joe Root hits eye-catching reverse sweep against Shardul Thakur

Joe Root is arguably the best Test batter at the moment. His batting prowess was on full display against India in the fifth Test match at Edgbaston. Chasing a target of 378 runs, the batting duo of Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow made a mockery of the target and reached their target rather comfortably.

The ex- England captain made a smashing 142 off of 173 balls with 19 boundaries and one six- and what a six that was!

The video of Root’s only six against the Indian pacer Shardul Thakur is setting social media alight. The video of Root’s six has been shared thousands of times on social media.

The shot in question is a trademark Root reverse scoop which he perfected in the England New Zealand series. He hit the same shot for a six against New Zealand’s bowler Neil Wagner. Against India, the shot came when England needed just 42 runs to win the game. Batting at 119, Joe Root jumped back and scooped Thakur for a six on the third man.

Just a reverse scoop for 6️⃣ off a seamer while we chase a record total 🤯

Scorecard/Clips: https://t.co/jKoipF4U01

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #ENGvIND 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/DCKPKExRxz

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 5, 2022

Many expected the English batter Jonny Bairstow to play aggressively and Joe Root to hold the fort. However, It was the opposite as Root batted at a strike rate of 82 whereas Bairstow was fairly calm at 78.62.

Talking of the game, it was a complete chasing masterclass from the England team. Seeing a target of 378 on the fourth day, many teams would have crumbled, but the English batters showed character and belief in their new BazBall approach. The openers made the fastest opening partnership for the hosts, to begin with, and then the experienced duo of Root and Bairstow dominated the Indian bowlers.

Their sensational 269 runs partnership allowed the hosts to win the game and level the series 2-2. All sights are now set at the first T20I starting on July 7th 2020 at Southampton. It will mark the return of Indian captain Rohit Sharma who was side-lined with COVID infection just before the fifth Test.