England’s newly appointed Test skipper Ben Stokes on Sunday (5th June) heaped rich praise on Joe Root after winning against New Zealand in the first game of the three-match series at Lord's.
England’s home season kick-started with a 5-wicket win over New Zealand in the first Test match. The hosts displayed a staggering performance in all departments and it was a collective effort from the whole side to register their first win under Stokes.
But one name yet again stood tall for England and it was none other than Root. The former skipper held one end when the wicket fell at the other and smashed yet another century, scoring unbeaten 115 runs to help his side chase 277 runs.
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During his innings, Root also became the second Englishman after Sir Alastair Cook to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket. He also scored his 26th hundred in the longest format of the game and was awarded Player of the Match for his heroics.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Ben Stokes talked about the Test match win. He said that his side handled the pressure well and chasing 277 in the fourth innings was ‘fantastic’
He lavished rich praise on ‘Mr Dependable’ Joe Root and lauded him for completing 10,000 runs in Tests.
“The game ebbed and flowed throughout the whole time. No-one ever really had the upper hand at any stage and I thought the way we handled the pressure in the fourth innings to chase down 270 on a pretty difficult wicket was fantastic. And obviously 'Mr Dependable', Joe Root, stood up. Scoring and 10,000 runs - what a player and what a man,” Ben Stokes said.
Stokes, who was recently appointed as the new Test skipper of England, said that it was a special week for him and a win in the first match of the summer makes it even better.
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“Regardless of being captain, the first Test match of the summer has always got a buzz about it, but obviously it was a special week. To come away with the win obviously makes it even better,” he said.
Coming to the match, England, who bowled first, displayed a great performance and bundled out the Black Caps for just 132 runs. They then batted poorly and took a lead of just 9 runs before the visitors piled up a second innings total of 285 runs, setting a target of 277 runs. Root (115*) was well supported by skipper Stokes (54) and Ben Foakes (32*) as the hosts took a 1-0 lead in the series.
The second match of the series between England and New Zealand is slated to take place from 10th June at Trent Bridge.
(AFP inputs)
