We spoke to Gary Ballance about England's strong second day
By Callum Dent
Gary Ballance was keen to stress the importance of Joe Root’s contribution on day two of the fifth and final Investec Test against India at the Kia Oval.
The Yorkshireman arrived at the crease during a mini collapse that saw four wickets, including half-centurions Ballance and Alastair Cook, fall for just 38 runs in 11 overs.
But Root relished the pressure situation, sharing important stands of 80 and 67 with Jos Buttler and Chris Jordan respectively, and reached the close unbeaten on 92.
In the process, Root became the third England player to record a fifty in every game of a five-match series.
His attacking 129-ball innings, which included nine fours and a maximum, helped move England into a commanding position on 385 for seven, a first-innings lead of 237.
Commenting on his fellow Yorkshire batsman’s knock, Ballance told ecb.co.uk: “If it wasn’t for him, we could have a 150-run lead.
“He has carried on and scored quickly towards the end of the day there. He has really put us in a good position.
“Rooty and Jos played well together so hopefully Rooty can go and get a big hundred tomorrow.”
On tomorrow’s hopes, he added: “Rooty is not out and Chris Jordan can bat. (Stuart) Broady and Jimmy (Anderson) have scored runs this series too.
“It’s obviously a great position. We bowled brilliantly yesterday, batted well towards the end of the day and then we carried on the momentum today.
“We have got ourselves to a lead of 230-odd and in a great position. We have worked hard for it. The job is not done yet and we are going to have to bowl on that tomorrow.”
Ballance joined forces with Cook, who compiled 79, earlier today after Sam Robson was bowled by Varun Aaron for 37 in the second over.
The second-wicket pair gave England a solid platform by moving past India’s first-innings 148 with 125 in 37 overs.
Gary Ballance now has scored over 500 runs in this series at an average of over 80. #EngvInd
— BBC TMS (@bbctms) August 16, 2014
In making 64, Ballance took his run-tally for the series past 500 at an average of over 80.
The left-hander said: “I felt good out there. I had a nice partnership with Cooky and was disappointed not to go to three figures. That’s how it goes.”
Since slipping 1-0 down in the series with a comprehensive defeat at Lord’s, England have bounced back in style with consecutive victories at the Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford.
Every player has stood up to be counted, none more so than in this game when the wickets and runs have been shared out amongst the team.
Ballance added: “It has improved since that loss at Lord’s.
“Since then everyone has contributed which is great for a team. From one to 11, the lads are scoring runs and taking wickets. That is helping a great deal.”