Joe Root runs riot for England in fifth Ashes Test

NEW DELHI: Joe Root showcased his brilliance with a remarkable half-century as England continued their dominant run against Australia in the fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval in London on a memorable Saturday.
In a crucial match they needed to win to level the series at 2-2, England displayed their prowess, reaching 265-4 in their second innings by tea on the third day, establishing a formidable lead of 253 runs.
Root's batting was nothing short of sublime as he remained unbeaten on a breathtaking 61 runs off just 58 balls. He formed a crucial partnership of 73 runs for the third wicket with England's captain, Ben Stokes, who contributed a solid 42 runs to the cause.
After Stokes and Harry Brook departed in quick succession, leaving the home side at 222-4, Jonny Bairstow joined his Yorkshire teammate, Root, in the middle, adding an unbeaten 34 runs off 35 balls to further bolster England's position.
England's lead was already considerable, especially considering that in the 143-year history of Test cricket at The Oval, there have only been five successful fourth-innings chases of more than 200 runs to win.
Zak Crawley, the standout run-scorer in the series, kick-started England's innings in style, guiding the hosts to 130-1 by lunch. After the break, Stokes aggressively dispatched Josh Hazlewood for a six, with Mitchell Starc failing to hold on to a catch on the fine leg boundary while attempting to stay within the rope.
Crawley, having added just two runs to his lunch score of 71, was caught by Australia's captain Pat Cummins at second slip while going for another off-drive. England found themselves at 140-2.
Root then demonstrated his exquisite range of shots, executing a reverse-scoop for a beautifully timed six off Mitchell Marsh, followed by a smooth glide down the legside for a boundary.
He continued his masterful strokeplay, driving Starc down the ground for four, even though his mishits seemed to find the boundary, with an under-edged cut bouncing over the wicket-keeper's head.
Root's brilliance was further highlighted as he deliberately executed an uppercut over the slips, hitting a third consecutive four off Starc with precision and control.
England's batting display, led by the sensational Root, put them in a commanding position, and with the substantial lead they had built, they were on course to make a decisive impact in the fifth Ashes Test.

The sunny overhead conditions, with the ball not swinging in the air or deviating much off the pitch, were ideal for attacking batting.
Stokes, however, gave his wicket away when caught at mid-on off a mistimed drive against spinner Todd Murphy.
England needed only one over to erase their 12-run first-innings deficit at the start of play on Saturday.
Crawley, who had struck a cover-drive for four off the first ball of the series, repeated the shot off the first ball on Saturday in a clear sign of England's intentions before left-hander Ben Duckett ended the over with successive boundaries.
But a stand of 79 ended when Duckett, on 42, edged a full-length Starc delivery to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
Come tea, however, that was the only wicket Starc had taken in an expensive return of 1-64 in 10 overs.
With Moeen Ali ruled out of batting in his number three position after being off the field all day Friday with a groin injury, Stokes promoted himself up the order.
Australia, as the holders, have already retained the Ashes at 2-1 up.
But they must avoid defeat at The Oval if they are to win their first Ashes series in England since 2001.
(With AFP inputs)