On day two of the fifth and final Test, India pacer Prasidh Krishna enjoyed teasing his “good mate” Joe Root and stated that the team’s plans included riling up England’s batting stalwart.
The umpires had to step in during a heated exchange between Prasidh and Root. After a boundary in the 22nd over, the normally calm Root responded angrily and was obviously not amused by Prasidh’s remarks.
“Well, it was a very small thing. I think it was just a competitive edge amongst us that was coming out. Both of us are good mates off the field. It was just a little bit of a banter and both of us enjoyed it,” said Prasidh in the post-day press conference.
The Karnataka man further implied that words to Root were not totally unintentional.
“That was also the plan. But I didn’t really expect a couple of words that I said to get such a big reaction from him. But like I said, I love the guy that he is. He’s a legend of the game,” the pacer added.
“And for him to come out there, it’s great when two people are out there wanting to do their best,” stated Prasidh, who co-wrote India’s remarkable comeback after Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley’s assault in the opening session by taking four wickets alongwith Mohammed Siraj.
According to Prasidh, a little banter with the opposing batter usually brings out the best in him.
“I try and enjoy bowling if it means that I have a bit of a chatter with the batsman. And it does help me when the batsman also is, I can get under the nerves and get a reaction from him. And I think I was just running in well,” said the lanky fast bowler.
