Woakes set to be out for weeks

part in the tournament after suffering a side strain, it was one that Root insisted England can build on.

“It is a great statement but more than anything it fills us with confidence going into the next game,” he said. “It is a really good start and something to build on and hopefully we can do that.”

Woakes’ injury after bowling just two overs early in the day was a blow to England’s planning and when Root suffered a calf strain halfway through his innings, the victory looked to be coming at too high a cost.

Root later insisted his own difficulties at the crease were the result of “cramp” and maintained he would be fine for the match against New Zealand in Cardiff on Tuesday.

“It is all right. I must not have eaten well enough this morning or taken the fluids on in the first half. And batting in a long-sleeve shirt and a jumper was not ideal either,” he said. “I don’t see it as too big an issue.

“Obviously I have seen the medical team – they are pretty happy and I am pretty happy with it. It seemed to ease off at the back end of the innings.”

While Root was playing down his own injury, Woakes was set for a scan last night and looks likely to be facing weeks rather than days on the sidelines.

Captain Eoin Morgan admitted that the bowler would be a “big loss” if, as seems likely, he can play no further part in the Champions Trophy.

“He’s obviously been very impressive for us over the last couple of years and a mainstay, very reliable guy,” said the skipper.

“And it is a worry when he goes off the field and can’t come back on and bowl.