'Insaan bhi chale paani me Stokes ki kaaptani me' - Joe Root's ramp shots on Day 4 of 1st Ashes Test 2023 leaves fans in awe

Ashes 2023 (Source: Twitter)

Ben Stokes' surprising call to declare the first innings of the first Ashes Test 2023 shows that 'bazball' is not just about big shots and aggressive play but about bold decisions. However, it has to be admitted that England's new approach to Test cricket has the potential to influence the batting style of orthodox batters. Considered a Test specialist, former England captain Joe Root wowed the Edgbaston crowd early on Day 4 with his ramp shots.

England was under a bit of pressure as they lost openers Ben Duckett and Zach Crawley before stumps on Day 3 after rain played spoilsport. Resuming from an overnight score of 28-2 with a lead of 35 runs, Root played some unorthodox shots in red-ball cricket and tried to put pressure on Australia from the very start. The right-handed batter tried to reverse-scoop Aussie skipper Pat Cummins off the first ball of the day but failed to connect.

He continued his attacking mindset and took on Scott Boland for a six over the keeper's head in the second over. Root seemed to let loose the frustration of not getting enough opportunities in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, smashing another boundary off the very next delivery with a reverse scoop.

Watch the video of Joe Root's ramp shots on Day 4 below:

Joe Root, The freak of world cricket.

Reverse scoop for six & four on the 2nd over in Day 4. pic.twitter.com/kjuyyXnh42

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 19, 2023

England scored nearly at a run rate of 5 in the first innings and declared for 393-8, surprising everyone with Root still at the crease with a century. Root had hit a boundary with a similar ramp shot in the first innings. Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja's scintillating century brought Australia closer to the lead.

We’ve had unbelievable success with it: Stokes on 'bazball' ahead of 1st Test

Ahead of the first Test, Stokes had confirmed that his side will not discard the ‘Bazball’ approach although he is aware of the Australian bowling attack that thrashed India in the WTC 2023 final.

“We know the threat that Australia poses, no matter who they are playing against, they are a very good team but we’ve found something that works and has been successful. That doesn’t change with the opposition, said Stokes.

“Nothing is going to change because we’ve had unbelievable success with it. If we were to change anything from the last 12 months because we find ourselves in an Ashes series, then anything from the last 12 months will have been completely pointless,” he added.

Here's how fans reacted to Joe Root's ramp shot on Day 4 of the 1st Ashes Test 2023: 

Preparing for next year IPL

— Rodony 𓃬 (@Rodony_) June 19, 2023

Root is reverse scooping Boland and our batsmen were dancing on his tone

— ABD-mr 360 (@rubi__ab) June 19, 2023

Insaan bhi chale paani me Stokes bhakri ki kaaptani me

— uFO🛸 (@JaneMeriJaneMan) June 19, 2023

Joe is my favourite English player,
But this guy is killing test cricket,while playing fancy t20i shots.

— KRISHNA (@KrishnaVK_18) June 19, 2023

This is foolishness, not audacity or change the game approach. Apply this post 20-30 balls in the day

— Harry Notter (@uditryan) June 19, 2023

Why is he trying so hard to be in an IPL team?

— Yaz (@Yaz786__) June 19, 2023

Root 's reverse scoop shot >>>> Rohit sharma whole career

— OFFLINE (@mc_VikrantGupta) June 19, 2023

Root making RR realise his true potential.

— PV (@JustStopIt_PV) June 19, 2023