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ENG vs NZ: Joe Root reverse sweeps pacer Neil Wagner for six over third man amid tense run-chase at Headingley

June 26, 2022
Bharat Times

England vs New Zealand: Joe Root played an audacious reverse sweep on pacer Neil Wagner’s bowling for six over third man amid a tense run-chase at Headingley.

ENG vs NZ: Joe Root reverse sweeps pacer Neil Wagner for six over third man (AP Photo)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Joe Root played an audacious reverse sweep on pacer Neil Wagner
  • England look set to complete a 3-0 whitewash over New Zealand
  • England are 113 runs away from completing a series whitewash

Joe Root is in the form of his life! The England star played an audacious shot as he hit New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner for a brave reverse sweep over the third man during the tense chase in the third Test at Headingley on Sunday.

Chasing 296 for victory, Ollie Pope and Joe Root were at the crease at stumps after the pair made light work of a competitive target as England finished day four on 183-2.

The pair set up what promises to be an intriguing final day, with Headingley hopeful of having a packed house as they look to replicate the Trent Bridge test’s atmosphere by offering free tickets.

England lost Alex Lees to a run-out after a mix-up in the fifth over, while his opening partner Zak Crawley (25) was caught in the covers off Michael Bracewell, with skipper Kane Williamson involved in both dismissals.

But Pope (81) and Root (55) steadied the ship with an unbeaten 132-run partnership as they saw off the fast bowlers and targeted spinner Bracewell, who went for over six per over.

Earlier, New Zealand were dismissed for 326 after the in-form Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell had again frustrated the hosts.

England’s momentum gained by taking three wickets late on the third day seemed to be fading away in the morning as Mitchell and Blundell continued their fine form in the series.

England, 2-0 up, are bidding to win every match of a home series with at least three Tests for the first time since their 4-0 rout of India in 2011.

England are 113 runs away from completing a series whitewash against New Zealand after the hosts put themselves in a commanding position with eight wickets in hand in the final innings of the third Test on Sunday.