The fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between England and India at The Oval has been anything but predictable, with the series hanging in the balance. Amidst the fierce competition and high stakes, a surprising incident occurred on Day 2, involving England's usually calm and collected Joe Root and India's fast bowler Prasidh Krishna. This unexpected clash of personalities added another layer of intensity to an already gripping match.

Known for his composed demeanor and reliance on his batting to do the talking, Joe Root found himself in a heated exchange with Prasidh Krishna. The incident took place in the 22nd over of England's innings when Krishna, after delivering a ball to Root, appeared to say something seemingly aimed at unsettling the former England captain. Root initially chose not to react, but the situation escalated quickly.

On the very next delivery, Root responded emphatically, smashing a boundary and immediately turning back towards Krishna, exchanging sharp words with the Indian pacer. The two players engaged in a brief confrontation at the center of the pitch before Root walked away, making his point with both bat and words. Umpire Kumar Dharmasena quickly intervened to calm the situation, speaking to Krishna, while several Indian players gathered around their teammate in support.

This sudden outburst from Root, a player known for his gentle and affable nature, surprised many. Social media buzzed with reactions, highlighting the unusual sight of Root losing his cool. Former England captain Michael Vaughan suggested that India might have intentionally tried to get under Root's skin, deviating from being overly friendly to distract him.

The tension between Root and Krishna underscored the pressure of the Test series, where every session could potentially swing the momentum. India, trailing 1-2, needed to win the match to level the series, while England aimed to seal the series victory on home soil.

The incident also reflects the contrasting approaches of the two teams. England's aggressive 'Bazball' style has been met with India's fierce pace attack and strategic aggression. The Indian bowlers, after facing a strong counterattack from England's openers, resorted to verbal volleys to disrupt the opposition.

Despite the on-field drama, Joe Root achieved a significant milestone during the Test. He surpassed Sachin Tendulkar to become the second-highest run-scorer in home Tests, with 7,229 runs in 84 matches. Only Ricky Ponting remains ahead of Root in this list. Root also crossed 2,000 Test runs against India at home, joining an elite list. Furthermore, Root has overtaken Kumar Sangakkara to become the third-highest run-scorer against India in international cricket, with 4,290 runs.

As the Test match progresses, both teams remain locked in a fierce battle, with India showing resilience after being bowled out for 224 in their first innings. The series remains on a knife's edge, and the result of this Test will determine the ultimate victor of this enthralling contest.