Ruthless Root, Cook put hosts on top early on Day 1
BIRMINGHAM: Joe Root and Alastair Cook played sublimely to lead England to a commanding 215 for two at tea on the opening day of their first day-night Test against the West Indies at Edgbaston on Thursday.
Captain Root moved on to 103 not out and Cook was unbeaten on 85 as England recovered strongly from another poor start with the bat when they slumped to 39/2 after winning the toss.
Root would have been hoping for a steady opening stand but Mark Stoneman, making his debut as Cook’s latest partner, was bowled off-stump by a fine delivery from Kemar Roach.
Miguel Cummins trapped Tom Westley lbw, the West Indies successfully reviewing the umpire’s not out decision to leave England in trouble at the start of the three-match series.
Cook and Root dug in, however, taking advantage of good batting conditions and wayward bowling with a flurry of crisp boundaries.
Cook brought up his fifty shortly before lunch and Root soon followed him to the milestone, posting a half-century for the 11th Test in a row to equal the record in five-day cricket.
The prolific right-hander continued to play immaculate strokes all round the ground and hereachedhis 13thTesthundred by sweeping off spinner Roston Chase for his 19th four. Brief scores (Day 1, Tea): England 215/2 in 55 overs (Joe Root 103*, Alastair Cook 85*).