IN-FORM BURNS DEFENDS CAPTAIN

RORY BURNS issued a protective defence of Joe Root after both men made centuries on the third day of the second Test against New Zealand at Seddon Park. Burns hit 101, while Root finished the day unbeaten on 114, his first Test hundred in 15 innings stretching back to February. And, speaking on behalf of the dressingroom, Burns — touted in some quarters as a future England captain himself — did not miss the chance to back his leader following recent criticism over his form and tactics. ‘It’s really nice to see the skipper get his runs,’ said Burns. ‘He’s obviously a very good player and a lot of stuff has been said in recent times. Not scoring runs as a batsman might bring other things into the equation, which aren’t necessarily true. When he bats like that, everyone’s behind him and knows exactly what he can do. It’s awesome to see him get them.’ Burns’s comments followed a passionate tweet from Root’s brother, Glamorgan batsman Billy. ‘I personally don’t know what it feels like to captain my country, score 33 TONS whilst amassing 13800+ at the top level,’ he tweeted after Joe reached three figures. ‘I’m struggling to think of many that do, so can we please get rid of the negativity and applaud the brilliance that’s in front of us?’ Burns had been backed by Stuart Broad on Saturday evening to produce the long innings England needed to put pressure on New Zealand and responded with the second hundred of his brief Test career before a needless run-out.