England's hopes rest with Root

24 April 2015 03:31

Joe Root carries England's hopes of building a match-winning first-innings lead on day four against the West Indies, having left team-mate Jonathan Trott in awe with a stylish century.

Root finished 118 not out as England ended the third evening 74 ahead on 373 for six, and in position to press for victory.

The 24-year-old was in irresistible form, hitting 13 boundaries and a pair of dismissive sixes in a knock that was at odds with the painstaking fifties carved out by Trott, Alastair Cook and Gary Ballance in Grenada.

England will be hoping for more of the same when he resumes alongside the dangerous Jos Buttler on Friday, looking to push the West Indian deficit beyond 200.

And Trott is convinced the Yorkshireman is the perfect man for the job.

"I don't think cricket is ever easy but he certainly makes it look relatively easy," said the opener.

"He's mature beyond his years and a fine player to have in the dressing room.

"He was probably a bit frustrated watching Alastair and I cloth it everywhere and not hit boundaries but he came in and showed the guys how.

"Joe's gone on and got a big hundred to put us in a really good position. We've got a lead above 70, which is almost a session's cricket, hopefully we can get some more runs in the morning.

"We have guys in who can score quickly, who've got big runs in the past, so hopefully they can do it again."

Root, who spoke briefly to Sky Sports as he left the field, added: '' "We've got plenty of batting left in that dressing room. If I can build a partnership with Jos in the morning hopefully we get a big score and only have to bat once.

"Fingers crossed we can kick on and make a big first innings score.''

Meanwhile in the West Indies camp, bowling coach Curtly Ambrose has urged Marlon Samuels to keep having fun at England's expense, after the Jamaican cheekily saluted Ben Stokes on day three of the second Test.

Samuels and Stokes have engaged in a fierce running battle over the past three days, twice alerting umpires with their verbal barrages the middle.

After the Durham all-rounder holed out for eight on Thursday, he passed Samuels, who clutched his hat to his chest and raised a hand to his temple.

Stokes was decidedly unamused, but Ambrose was behind his man.

"There's nothing wrong with a little bantering. This is international cricket. As long as it doesn't go over the top, I'm fine with it," he said.

"I think it's more friendly than anything else. He gave a salute, is that a sign of respect? I don't know but I'm hoping so.

"International cricket is hard, and they must find ways to relax themselves, and smiling is one of those things. As much as we're working hard and want to win, you must have some fun doing it."

Source: PA