Joe Root Lauds Ben Stokes: Joe Root scored his 29th Test century on day two of the second Test, finishing undefeated on 153. This is the 14th time he has gone over 150 in Tests, and he has now raised his average above 50.
England registered a big win over New Zealand in the first test match of the series. Ben Stokes’ side defeated New Zealand by 267 runs in the opening test match of the series to take a 1-0 lead.
On day two, England declared at 435-8, with Harry Brook scoring 186 and Joe Root finishing on 153 not out. Ben Stokes’ declaration was lauded as “brilliant and brave” by Joe Root.
As day two was called off owing to weather, New Zealand are 138-7, and Joe Root praised Stokes’ ability to influence the game. England looks in control in the second Test against New Zealand.
Joe Root smashes 29th century, 4th under Ben Stokes
England’s Joe Root celebrated 150 runs for the 14th time as England declare 435 runs on February 25 in Wellington during the second cricket test match between New Zealand and England.
Although being denied a double-century in a 302-run stand with Root, Harry Brook (186) marched on to an unbeaten 153. Brook and Root thrashed New Zealand’s bowlers on day one, and their batters crumbled meekly on day two.
England has used the same aggressive batting and strong new-ball bowling that drove it to a decisive 267-run victory in the first Test. Another link is Ben Stokes‘ strong captaincy, who declared half an hour before lunch.
“Ben’s walked so naturally into the role. He’s managing the game so well, and everyone’s really responding to it, which is very important,” Joe Root said in a press conference.
Also Read: Pakistan vs England: Joe Root Bats Left-Handed To Counter Pakistan’s Bowling Strategy
New Zealand batters struggling in home condition vs England bowling attack
With a deadly opening spell, James Anderson validated his No. 1 place in the international Test bowling rankings. On Saturday, England grabbed complete control of the second Test against New Zealand.
Anderson took 3-37 to reduce the Black Caps to 138-7 after England declared their first innings at 435-8. Spinner Jack Leach also took three wickets, leaving New Zealand down by 297 runs with three days to go.
Harry Brook was out for 186 in the third over, having added only two runs to his overnight total. Joe Root breezed past 150 for the 14th time in his career after starting the day with a 101.
Stokes, who took over from Joe Root in the summer of 2022, transformed England’s fractured team into a ruthless machine in Test cricket. Since the summer of 2022, England has dominated world cricket, winning 9 of their first 10 Test matches.
Also Read: NZ v ENG: Ben Stokes declared England’s innings on Day 1 at 325/9
