ENG vs NZ: Ben Stokes hails Joe Root after win over New Zealand in Lord’s Test
ENG vs NZ: Following England’s spectacular victory over New Zealand in the first Test, England captain Ben Stokes lavished praise on Joe Root, who smashed a century and crossed the 10,000-run mark in Test cricket.
England overcame New Zealand by five wickets at Lord’s on Sunday, thanks to Joe Root’s unbeaten century and debutant Matty Potts’ outstanding bowling. With this victory, England now leads the series 1-0.
On being asked about Root, he said, “Scoring a hundred and 10,000 runs – what a player, what a man.”
This is England’s first victory under the new leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
“Amazing, great Test match always seems to be with England v New Zealand, especially at Lord’s. Summer is always special, regardless of captaincy, always a special feeling to start with a win. I really enjoyed the first week working with him (Baz McCullum). We obviously got to a great start and pleased with how everyone operated the last week,” said Ben Stokes in a post-match presentation.
“The game ebbed and flowed and no-one really ever had the upper hand at any stage, to chase down 279 on this wicket is fantastic,” he further added.
With the ball, James Anderson and Matt Potts shone, while Root (115*) and Stokes (54) dominated with the bat to lead England to a five-wicket victory over New Zealand.
“He (Potts) took a wicket almost every time he came on, he’s got an amazing attitude about the game and it is very exciting to see such a good start. Hopefully, it will continue. We know it’s not gonna happen overnight, it will take time but its about those little things. The way Lees and Bairstow played, even for a brief period, that’s the kind of attitude we want. Broad and Anderson were really good, inspiring us to do many great things,” Stokes said.
Coming to the match, England triumphed by five wickets, chasing down a 277-run total. In 78.5 overs, England reduced to 279/5. The team won because to Root’s unbeaten 115*.
New Zealand has been knocked out for 132 while batting first. Only all-rounders Colin de Grandhomme (42*) and Tim Southee (26) provided some resistance. As debutants Matty Potts (13/4) and James Anderson (66/4) rattled the New Zealand batting lineup.
England swept out for 141 in the second innings, establishing a slim nine-run lead thanks to the pace of Boult (3/21) and Southee (4/55).
NZ appeared to be in trouble in the third innings at 56-4. But Daryl Mitchell (108) and Tom Blundell (96) turned the game around. And pulled off a magnificent rescue effort to assist their team to 285/10. This aided in the establishment of a 277-point target for England.
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