TimesofIndia.com in London: India pacer Prasidh Krishna downplayed his on-field exchange with Joe Root, calling it “just good banter” after a fiery second day in the fifth and final Test at The Oval on Friday, where India clawed their way back into the contest thanks to an inspired bowling performance.Live Score: India vs England 5th TestKrishna, who returned to the playing XI, starred with figures of 4 for 62 as India bowled England out for 247, restricting their lead to just 23 runs after the hosts were cruising at 129/1. Mohammed Siraj also chipped in with 4 for 86, helping India take back control of a match they must win to level the series 2-2.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Among the key moments was a heated exchange between Krishna and Root, who uncharacteristically had to be separated by the umpires. “It was a small thing, a competitive edge. Good banter… we are good friends off the field,” Krishna clarified at the end of play.
Krishna also addressed questions about the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and his own role in the side. “Jasprit Bumrah playing or not playing… we know what our roles are,” he said. “I have been picked here because I can do the job. Me not playing games can make me go to the drawing board. Here to do the job for the team. It’s a process, not a performance for me.”
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England had earlier made a flying start, with Zak Crawley (64) and Ben Duckett (43) adding 92 in just 13 overs. But the momentum shifted quickly after Akash Deep dismissed Duckett.Root was eventually trapped lbw by Siraj for 29, while Krishna’s spell accounted for Crawley, Jamie Smith, and Overton in quick succession. Brook’s enterprising 53 ended when Siraj bowled him to wrap up the innings. Woakes, nursing a shoulder injury, did not bat.India ended the day at 75/2 in their second innings, leading by 52, with Yashasvi Jaiswal unbeaten on 51.
