Root’s 26th Test hundred helps England seal victory over NZ

London, June 5 (UNI) The former England captain converted his overnight 77 into an unbeaten 115 to chisel off the deficit 61 runs in a target of 277 to claim a five-wicket win over New Zealand and a 1-0 series lead on Day 4 of the Lord’s Test match here on Sunday.
In fewer than 14 overs, under murky overcast conditions with floodlights on and a refreshed bowling attack facing up to a long tail, Root along with Ben Foakes, brought up his 26th Test century and his 10,000th Test runs, before a flurry of boundaries helped England cross over the victory line.
The Kiwis joined the spectators in applauding Root after the seasoned batsman pointed at his anxious teammates seated at the pavilion balcony upon reaching his century, which came off his blades after three unsuccessful Test innings.
Root may have lost the opportunity to lead the English side, but remains their leading batsmen without any heft of a doubt.
Matt Potts started off his Test journey with a bang by claiming six wickets in the match, but this was a victory put together on the back of Root’s sagacity, the abiding skill of Sturat Broad and Jimmy Anderson, plus Ben Stokes’ half-century on Day 3.
In many ways, England had no other option but to cross over the line, given the reigning world champions reputation to bounce back from the rusty Day 1 performance that saw them slide to 45 for seven.
After another blunder at the start of their second innings, Kane Williamson’s side salvaged the mess through Darly Mitchell’s superb 108 and 96 from Tom Blundell.