Centurion Root Bang in form to lead England’s run chase
JOE Root was happy to chalk up a record Champions Trophy run chase as just another step in England’s one-day improvement.
The Yorkshireman’s unbeaten 133 led England to 308-2 as they beat Bangladesh by eight wickets in their Group A opener at the Oval.
He was backed up by Alex Hales, with 95, and captain Eoin Morgan, who contributed 75 to an unbroken third-wicket stand of 143.
Root said he never had any doubts England would chase their target, adding: “We are a side whch is getting better at it.
“There is a lot of confidence, we back each other’s ability, and that is rubbing off on the team.
“It is nice to know you have players like Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler to come in behind you.
“It was just making sure we kept plenty of wickets in hand, and someone like Alex Hales is not going to score slowly if he bats for a long time.”
Morgan agreed: “When the guys bat like that, it is a lot easier than used to be, having Joe Root in the side and an in-form Alex Hales.
“Joe is the glue in our side, he has scored a lot of runs in the last two years and it isnot slow, he is scoring at pace and he’s worked hard at his power hitting.”
The win was tarnished only by injuries, Chris Woakes bowling only two overs before leaving with a side injury and Root himself hobbling through much of his innings.
Morgan added: “Chris is probably the biggest concern, he will go for a scan tonight on his side.
“At the moment it does not feel right, he went straight off the field and did not come back on.”
Root was hopeful his injury was nothing serious after he stumbled awkwardly away from a shot on the leg side, adding: “The ankle is okay, it is more of a calf issue - hopefully it is just bad cramp.”
Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza was frustrated after his side failed to convert Tamim Iqbal’s 128, backed by 79 from Mushfiqur Rahim, into an even more testing total than 305 for six.
He said: “We thought 305 on this wicket was maybe a little bit short.
“At the end, when we had six or seven wickets in hand, it could have been a lot better.
“Then in the middle of England’s innings Root batted really well and took the game away from us.”