Second Test: Root defiant as India remain on top

England captain Joe Root’s latest rescue mission with the bat could not prevent India maintaining their grip on the second Test at Lord’s, AFP reported.

The hosts were 119-3 at stumps on the second day, still 245 runs adrift of India’s first-innings 364.

But amid yet another top-order collapse, star batsman Root was 48 not out.

England’s position could have been worse after India resumed on 276-3 but pace-bowling great James Anderson kept the tourists in check with 5-62.

“India probably still have the edge but if we can get a couple of big partnerships that gets us right back in the game,” said Anderson.

Root had come in with England struggling at 23-2 after paceman Mohammed Siraj took two wickets in successive deliveries — with the recalled Haseeb Hameed out for a golden duck.

Rory Burns and Root repaired some of that damage in a third-wicket partnership of 85 before the left-handed opener was lbw for 49 to Mohammed Shami.

“Joe’s been amazing throughout his career and the stats in the last 12 months, with the pandemic and everything, it’s been superhuman,” said Anderson.