Root’s unhappy tryst with technology

The England batsman was on 88 when he attempted a sweep off Ravindra Jadeja and appeared to have missed connecting the ball. Virat Kohli, who was at slip, and the bowler appealed vociferously while surprisingly, Parthiv Patel did not show any interest.

The on-field umpire dismissed the appeal and Kohli decided to review the decision. A spike on the UltraEdge was visible and at first look it almost suggested that Root’s bat was hitting the ground at the same time when the ball passed the bat.

However, after many replays, it was concluded that a bottom edge had got Root the third umpire overturned the on-field umpire’s decision. As soon as the umpire changed his decision, Root was not happy and was seen shaking his head while leaving the field. Though replays showed a gap between the ground and bat when the ball hit the bat, Root didn’t feel he edged it.

Commenting on the dismissal later in the day, Root said he wasn’t convinced that he nicked the ball. “No I was not convinced I hit it. Obviously, technology suggested otherwise but it is disappointing when you are convinced that there's nothing. I mean look at the keeper's reaction he was not interested either, it was one of those where Kohli just went with his gut and it went in his favour. But it is what it is and move on,” Root said. 

Elaborating further, he said his reaction was childish. “If you look at it the bat is not near the floor and then it would have been out. You must take it on the chin, I didn't hear a noise or didn't feel anything on the bat. It could be one that just bypassed me or genuinely out. I could have been a bit childish with my reaction as I walked off but playing international cricket one would be disappointed when you feel outdone by, even if you have not,” Root said. 

The England top-order batsman said he wouldn’t mind playing the same shot again if there was a chance. “I would be lying if I said that I was not frustrated about it. But I feel my game is in good order, I am playing well. But I don't think I would have done anything differently if I have my time again, I still be playing the same shot. I think it's something to keep maybe at the back of my mind but I am not going to change the way I am playing,” Root added.