WI vs ENG, 2nd Test: Root's ton headlines Day 1
A terrific century by Joe Root put England on top on Day 1 of the second Test against West Indies at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown. He shared a 164-run stand with middle-order batter Daniel Lawrence after England were reduced to 80/2. However, Jason Holder dismissed the latter on the final ball of the day. The visitors managed 244/3 at stumps on Day 1.
How did Day 1 pan out?
England lost opener Zak Crawley early on after electing to bat. His compatriot Alex Lees added 76 runs along with Root for the second wicket. Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul got rid of the former in the 45th over. Meanwhile, Root completed his century in the 68th over. The England skipper along with Lawrence (91) took England past 200. Lawrence missed his maiden Test ton.
Back-to-back hundreds for Root
Root slammed his second back-to-back century in Test cricket. He registered one on Day 5 of the first Test. On the opening day of the second Test, Root smashed his 25th in Test cricket. The England captain, who came in the middle in the 45th over, returned unbeaten on 119 (246). He has smashed 12 fours as of now.
Root surpasses Kane Williamson
Root has left behind his compatriot Kane Williamson in terms of Test centuries. The latter owns 24 tons in the format. The England captain has also emulated former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq on the list, who had finished his career with 25 Test tons.
Other feats attained by Root
Root has slammed eight tons in Tests since the start of 2021. He has become the only player to register over 2,000 Test runs in this period. India's Rishabh Pant follows Root on the list with 1,077 Test runs. Root registered his 14th ton as captain. In the last Test, he broke a tie with Alastair Cook, who scored 12 tons while leading England.
Fastest Test half-century for Lawrence
While Root remained watchful throughout Day 1, middle-order batter Lawrence took his chances. He played a counter-attacking knock, scoring 91 off 150 balls (13 fours, 1 six). It was his career-best score in Test cricket. The 24-year-old missed out on his maiden century in Test cricket. However, Lawrence smashed his quickest half-century, his fourth in the format.
