Joe Root heaped praise onto recently recalled fast bowler Steven Finn, after an ‘unbelievable spell of bowling’ on the second day of the third Investec Ashes Test at Edgbaston.
Finn ended the day with figures of 5-45, putting a dominant England within touching distance of a 2-1 lead, ahead of the fourth Test at Trent Bridge.
Root, who posted a first innings half-century, also singled out Moeen Ali and Stuart Broad for high praise.
“It was an unbelievable spell of bowling from Steven Finn backed up by the rest of the lads,” said Root. “Everyone’s effort in the final session was fantastic.”
“I thought the way that Broady and Mo played together was outstanding under a lot of pressure – they produced a wonderful partnership which got us into a good position when we went to bowl.
“Then having got (Chris) Rogers early, the momentum had shifted, we regrouped at Tea and it was really enjoyable.”
Meanwhile, Australia’s Mitchell Johnson says the Test isn’t over yet, and insists his side can still pull off an unlikely revival.
Johnson, who became the 12th player to combine 2000 runs with 300 wickets in Test cricket, still believes Australia can make a comeback.
“If we get that kind of score, 120 or 130, we’ve got to have a really hard crack,” said Johnson.
“The wicket, there is still enough in it, especially with that new ball.
“There’s enough bounce in this wicket, as we’ve seen, so we’ll have to come out and try and bowl our best.”
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