"With Joe Root back in the pavillion, India will be extremely happy" - Michael Holding

Former West Indies pacer Michael Holding has said the "huge wicket" of Joe Root would have made the Indian team "extremely happy." Root fell late on Day 1 of the fourth Test between England and India at the Oval.

The 67-year-old told Sky Sports:

"That’s a huge wicket to get rid of Joe Root for 21. Huge!"

Huge wicket for India!Umesh Yadav has bowled Joe Root for 21 💥#WTC23 | #ENGvIND | https://t.co/zRhnFiKhzZ pic.twitter.com/XIPdpupW4W

— ICC (@ICC) September 2, 2021

Holding also stated that India had managed to post around 40 runs more than they would have expected, thanks to a brilliant knock by Shardul Thakur. He added:

"I wouldn’t actually say that England are just ahead at the moment; I think that India are very happy with the situation. They didn’t expect to get anywhere near 191 with the bat – thinking perhaps 150, 160 – so to get that score and then have England 53-3, with Root back in the pavilion, they’ll be extremely happy!"

---

There is no right or wrong way to score runs: Shardul Thakur reacts after taking India to 191

Shardul Thakur played a brilliant knock on Day 1 of the Oval Test

Shardul Thakur feels that the match is now "equally poised" after the way Day 1 unfolded at the Oval. He also stated that it was important for him to score runs, no matter how they came. Thakur walked in when India were reeling at 117/6 and scored a fiery 57 off just 36 deliveries to take them to 191 in their first innings. He told Sky Sports after the day's play:

"When Rishabh [Pant] got out, it was important for me to play such an innings. There are two ways: you can either be patient and bank on all of the partners coming in, or if it’s in your slot hit it."

He further stated:

"There is no right or wrong way – runs are runs – but today was a day where I was connecting properly, so I kept going for the shots. Wickets kept falling at regular intervals, but we did well to get up to 190. Right now the game is equally poised; we have a chance."

FIFTY!@imShard brings up his half-century in style with a maximum. This has come off just 31 deliveries.Live - https://t.co/OOZebPnBZU #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/ONXIJjPn9x

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 2, 2021

England will begin Day 2 of the fourth Test at 53/3 with Dawid Malan (26 not out) and nightwatchman Craig Overton (1 not out) at the crease. They trail India by 138 runs.

---