Rootin’ tootin’ day for Joe
TONY LETS RIP OVER MIAMI TRIP
NEW England Test captain Joe Root (left) was one of four England players to pass 50 against a Vice Chancellor’s XI in St Kitts.
Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes, in his first match since sealing a £1.7million deal with the Rising Pune Super Giants, made 61 to help power England to 379-8 against a local side in The Hayemaker, 36, has promised to make quick work of his British rival, who steps up a division after winning the WBC world cruiserweight title last year. The bitter rivals meet at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday after weeks of build-up littered with insults, arguments and scuffles. Haye referred to his Scouse opponent as “a bell*nd” after Bellew called the Londoner “the bitch from Bermondsey”. And ex- two- weight world champion Haye says he will bring an end to the bitter feud with a beating that will leave Be l lew unable to box again. But he also admits that his career would be over if he suffers a shock defeat. “It’s a no-lose fight,” said Haye. “If I was to lose s omehow t hen my ambitions for becoming a world champ will be gone. “He has put himself in a dange r o us position and I hope that if he does care for his family like he says he does, he does not invite them to the fight and makes sure he CHRIS STOCKS he West Indies that included six students and only one player who has played international cricket.
Jason Roy and Eoin Morgan also notched up half-centuries in England’s first competitive action ahead of the three one-day internationals against the West Indies, starting in Antigua on Friday.
Stokes fell in the final over of the innings when he was caught at long on but his 52-ball innings was more evidence of just how important his batting will be for England as they ramp up their preparations for this summer’s Champions Trophy.