NEW DELHI: Former England skipper Joe Root came up with a stupendous effort while fielding to bring back some life into the proceedings in an otherwise dull opening session on Day 2 of the fifth and final Ashes Test at Kennington Oval in London on Friday.
The incident occurred in the 43rd over of the innings when England pacer Mark Wood's perseverance finally paid off as he induced an outside edge off Marnus Labuschagne, who had been frustrating the English bowlers since the start of the day as he scored just 9 off 82 deliveries.
Wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow hardly moved thinking Root would go for the catch but he stayed put. Root was late to react as he also thought that the 'keeper would go for it. But Root quickly made amends and made a sensational dive towards his left to take a one-handed screamer and send Labuschagne back to the pavilion.
Labuschagne was the only dismissal in the morning session of Day 2. Australia ended Day 1 at 61-1. Usman Khawaja and Labuschagne's second-wicket stand crawled to 42 from 156 balls before Root's spectacular catch provided the breakthrough.
