In a series that has had its fair share of drama, one man stood out for the right reasons. At least according to R Ashwin.
As tempers flared during the drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford, Ashwin didn't hold back in calling out England's behaviour - especially that of Ben Stokes and a few others. But amid all the criticism, there was one English player he made a point to praise: Joe Root.
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R Ashwin praises Joe Root's grace during IND vs ENG 4th Test draw
Speaking on his Ash Ki Baat show, Ashwin labelled the Manchester Test as a "phenomenal draw" and credited India's fightback. But even in that messy final hour, he felt Joe Root handled himself with class unlike some of his teammates.
"Massive respect for Joe Root. He was bowling off-spin at the end, but never once did he try to mock the game. He knows what it means to build an innings. That's why he's gotten to where he is," said Ashwin.
Ashwin pointed out that Root has now crossed Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting in Test runs, and is closing in on Sachin Tendulkar.
"He is getting close to Sachin's record. And still, he never lets his guard down," he added.
Ashwin also recalled a Root interview during the Covid break where the England batter revealed how he stopped obsessing over technique and started focusing on how to manage risk.
"It's a great lesson for young batters. Don't go too deep into technique. look at tactics, look at how to minimise risk if you want to succeed in Tests," he said.
Ashwin called it a "phenomenal" interview and said he hopes Root continues to score the hundreds he deserves - especially in the Ashes later this year.
Ashwin made it clear that while Root earned praise, the rest of the England side didn't impress him - especially in how they reacted during the final hour of the 4th Test.