Root pleased by England response in defeat

CRICKET: Captain satisfied with effort but admits more ‘soul-searching’ lies ahead

Joe Root insists England proved their mettle even in defeat against New Zealand but face more “soul-searching” as they try to hit back from 1-0 down in the second and final Test.

England had a mountain to climb after collapsing to an embarrassing 58 all out at the very start of New Zealand’s inaugural day-night Test at Eden Park.

Two days of rain aided their survival cause but eventually, even after four second-innings half-centuries, they were bowled out for 320 in the final session to lose for the 10th time in 12 away Tests by an innings and 49 runs.

It was a difficult task for the captain to put much gloss on another disappointing performance, but he emphasised that his rallying call was answered.

Root said: “I think one thing about today was that I asked the guys at the start ‘Show everyone how much it means to you to play for England, and represent your country’. I thought we got that from the guys.

“We were always fighting our way back into the game. But the character the guys showed today, I think, was a step forward and we simply need to be better when we get to Christchurch.”

There, England may yet be without Ben Stokes, who returned for his first Test in six months, after his enforced Ashes absence, as a specialist batsman only because of his stiff back.

The injury resurfaced while Stokes was making a defiant top-score of 66, and Root warns the all-rounder’s participation cannot be taken for granted on Friday.

Root said: “With Ben, it’s day-to-day with his back and making sure he’s fit to play. That assessment will continue throughout this week and if he’s not fit to play he won’t play.”

Both Stokes and Root followed firstinnings ducks – England made five – with 50s at their second attempt.

“In the first innings, we didn’t adapt quickly enough to the situation, the conditions,” added the Yorkshireman.

“That is very disappointing, because we’re used to the ball seaming around – used to it swinging – and at no stage did anyone get themselves in, and we didn’t create any partnerships.

“So it was important we did show character today, and very important this week leading into the (second) Test match we do some soul-searching and get things right.”

Whether there may be selection changes is a moot point.

“There’s a lot of emotion knocking around now, and it’s still very raw,” Root said. “It’s very important we have some rational thinking, and we sit down and make sure we go into that Test match with the XI we think is going to win the game.”

Picture: AP. Ben Stokes: topscored for England in the second innings with 66, but is now a doubt for Friday’s second Test due to stiffness in his back.