England v New Zealand: Joe Root hopes maiden ton helps secure win
England v New Zealand: Joe Root says he hopes his first ton for the hosts helps secure a second-Test win and series triumph
Joe Root is hoping his first England century can inspire the hosts to victory over New Zealand in the second Test at Headingley.
The Yorkshire youngster finally secured his first ton in front of a partisan home crowd, joined by his county team-mate Jonny Bairstow at the crease for a 124-run partnership.
Root was eventually caught by Brendon McCullum off the bowling of Trent Boult, but he was still thrilled with his 104-run knock as the hosts finished the end of day two on 337-7.
“It was pretty special, very enjoyable and I’m sure I will remember it for a long time,” Root told BBC Sport.
“But more importantly hopefully it can contribute to something further down the line in this game.”
Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott helped England to recover from Nick Compton’s early dismissal before the duo fell before lunch to leave the hosts on 67-3.
Ian Bell, alongside his 22-year-old team-mate, contributed 30 before Yorkshire pair Root and Bairstow (64) turned on the style at their home ground to help the former reach his first England century.
They both fell to the Boult-McCullum combination, while Stuart Broad was out for a duck, but Matt Prior and Graeme Swann helped steady the hosts’ first innings before the end of play.
“Emotions took over and that was the result,” Root added. “I got lost in the moment a bit but you only get your first one once so I just tried to enjoy it.”
“I was disappointed to expose the new batters to the new ball, which is exactly what you don’t want,” said Root.
“We had just got a 100 partnership together and we knew the next 10 overs would be crucial so to get out at that point was very disappointing.
“But the guys batted extremely well to get another partnership together and hopefully we can continue that tomorrow and keep going.”
