Captain Marvel

Root’s masterclass saves England’s blushes after Proteas blow away home side’s top-order

JOE ROOT enjoyed a dream start to life as England captain after his brilliant unbeaten hundred rescued his team on the opening day of this first Test against South Africa.

England were wobbling on 172 when Root entered the fray and then 76-4 shortly before lunch as the tourists, led by the excellent Vernon Philander, produced a superb spell of new-ball bowling.

However, the hosts ended the day in a strong position after Root’s 184 not out guided his side to 357-5 at stumps.

The 26-year-old shared century stands with Ben Stokes, his vice-captain, and Moeen Ali as England turned the tables on opponents who have not lost a Lord’s Test since 1960.

Root had waited 144 days for his opportunity to lead his country after he was named Alastair Cook’s successor way back in February.

But this performance, in his first innings since taking on the top job, was definitely worth the wait for a capacity crowd.

It saw him become the first full-time England Test captain to reach three figures in his first innings in the role since Kevin Pietersen against South Africa at The Oval in 2008.

However, Root was the fourth successive player to post a century in his first Test as England skipper following Cook, Strauss and Pietersen, although the first two did it during spells when they were only in temporary charge of the team.

This innings, the third-highest of Root’s Test career, was desperately needed by an England team who were left reeling by the early losses of Cook, Keaton Jennings, Gary Ballance and Jonny Bairstow.

But it did contain an element of luck after the new skipper was dropped on five and 16 and then stumped off a Keshav Maharaj no ball when he was on 149 in the final session.