Joe Root jokes about what he wants from Santa Claus after getting out at 88

“It's been a theme throughout the year, something to ask Santa for and hopefully we can sort it out for next year,” Root joked during a press conference after the end of play on Day 1. 

“I would be lying if I said I am not frustrated about it. But my game is in good order, I am playing well. It is something to keep in the back of my mind but it is not going to change the way I am playing.”

Root appeared to be in supreme form as he brought up his 10th half-century of the year before falling just 11 runs short of Michael Vaughan’s record of most runs made by an Englishman in a calendar year. He played fluently after England found themselves in a tough spot at 22/2 in the first session and managed to see out the onslaught by the Indian spinners. 

However, having played the sweep shot almost perfectly throughout his innings, Root finally succumbed to the same, but it was not as straight-forward as one might think. After being given not out by the on-field official, the decision was overturned by the third umpire. Root did not look amused by the decision, as he felt that his bat had hit the ground and not the ball. The infuriated batsman kicked away a water bottle while he was leaving the field. However, the 25-year-old accepted after the match that his reaction had been "childish".

“I was convinced I did not hit it. The technology suggests otherwise but it is bitterly disappointing when you are convinced that there was nothing. Look at the keeper’s reaction. He was not interested either. Kohli just went with his gut [for the review] and it worked out. It is bitterly disappointing and frustrating,” Root said.

“The bat is not near the floor, so I have to take it on the chin. I might have got a fine edge on it but I did not hear a noise, did not feel anything on the bat. It could be one that bypassed me and is genuinely out. I was probably a bit childish with my reaction as I walked off, but playing international cricket you are going to be disappointed when you feel that you have been hard done by,” he said.