It's agony for Root

JOE ROOT defended his decision to declare early after West Indies successfully hunted down his 322-run target at Headingley.

A brilliant chase from the tourists, led by Shai Hope with 118 and helped by dropped catches from England, saw the Windies home by five wickets in the Second Test.

It leaves the Investec Series all square with one to play, starting at Lord’s next Thursday. Root (right) became only the fourth England captain to declare a third innings and lose.

He said: “In hindsight, it is easy to say the declaration might not have been timed right. But I felt on Monday night it was a positive thing to do. We want to go out and win Test matches. I don’t think it will make me more cautious. We were in a position where we could win the game.

“Maybe I slightly misread the pitch but looking at two guys in Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad, with nearly 900 wickets between them, and with the rest of the bowlers we had available on a fifth-day pitch, I thought we could win the game.”

England’s poor catching display proved costly with Moeen Ali

dropping a sitter in the first innings and Alastair Cook spilling two easy chances at first slip during yesterday’s chase.

“We always know how crucial it is to take your chances in Test cricket and if you give guys chances at this level they will hurt you,” said Root.

“It is not always the easiest viewing ground and while I’m not trying to make excuses, it is the case here at Headingley. We have to be better.”

Root denied underestimating the tourists. “At no point have I thought they’re not a talented side,” he said. “They are a side who want to prove a point.”