West Indies vs England: Joe Root lauds guests’ character in combating draw within the first Test
England captain Joe Root lauded the group’s character, saying the best way they overcame the horror begin within the first innings and are available inside touching distance of a win within the 1st Test of a 3-match sequence towards West Indies was spectacular.
England have been jolted within the first hour of the sequence opener as they decreased to 48/4 which introduced again reminiscences of their Ashes horror. However, Jonny Bairstow had hit 100 to revive England’s first innings. England completed with 311 within the first innings however allowed West Indies to hit 375 and take a lead however lots of from captain Root and Zak Crawley, who opened the innings, put the guests out of hazard within the 2nd innings.
England had West Indies reeling at 79/4 on the ultimate day however Jason Holder and Nkrumah Bonner arrested the slide and helped the hosts seal a draw.
“I’m really proud of the team today, the (whole) week actually,” Root stated.
“From that first hour when we found ourselves in a tricky spot (losing four quick wickets), I think the character we showed off the back of the previous tour to not panic and get ourselves back in the game … we got better and better on a very docile wicket for our seamers.
“(There are a) lot of excellent indicators going into the remainder of the sequence.”
ROOT PROUD OF BAIRSTOW, CRAWLEY
The captain, one of three century-makers on the England team, heaped praise on the other two, veteran Jonny Bairstow and young Zak Crawley.
Bairstow, coming off a century in his final test in Australia, was ultra-cautious early before cutting loose later in his knock of 140 in the first innings.
“Jonny, to learn the sport and play that form of innings in that scenario, confirmed nice maturity and you can see the arrogance he took from the best way he performed within the again finish of Australia,” said Root.
Crawley’s 121 in the second innings provided evidence of why England stuck with him after a long lean spell that followed a double century against Pakistan in 2020.
“(Crawley) confirmed an enormous quantity of character to face up as one of many extra senior batters now inside this group,” said Root.
“It was actually vital he performed an innings like that, extra for himself, not essentially for the remainder of us (as a result of) we all know how proficient he’s and what he is able to.”