Proud of how calm we were in the chase: Root after Galle triumph

Tags: England tour of Sri Lanka 2021, England, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka vs England, 2nd Test at Galle, Jan 22-26, 2021, Joseph Edward Root

Published on: Jan 26, 2021

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After hammering Sri Lanka 2-0 in the two-match Test series in Sri Lanka, England skipper Joe Root said that the team’s performance is definitely on the up. England defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in the second Test at Galle on Monday. Spinners Dom Bess and Jack Leach picked up four wickets each as the visitors rolled over the hosts for 126 in their second innings. Dominic Sibley (56 not out) and Jos Buttler (46 not out) then took England home in a chase of 164 after they had crumbled to 89 for 4. Root, himself, had scored a magnificent 186 in the first innings and was awarded both Man of the Match and Series

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Joe Root said England did a fine job to come out on top after losing the toss. "It was a fine performance to come out on top after having lost the toss. We had the worst part of the wicket for most part and that speaks of the guys' determination. From Sibley and Buttler, to see us home was a brilliant way to finish the series. We wanted to create some chaos with the ball and make it difficult for them to score boundaries, and we're glad we did that.

Admitting that the batsmen did find it tough to negotiate some balls in the chase, Root added, “What I am proud of is how calm we were in the chase. Credit to the bowlers as well to make it difficult for them. We are on an upward curve as a team.”

Root further said that to do well with very little preparation has been very pleasing for them. “In four more Tests in these conditions, there will be different pitches and different conditions, but we need to keep moving forward. We want to improve in all departments, that's what we are chasing. We want to get more consistent, and we have made some strides forward in these two matches and just want to keep doing that. It is always hard to look past this win as my best, a lot of good things to take forward.”

England next face India in India in a four-match Test series, beginning February 5.

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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