This is benchmark for us going forward, says delighted captain Root
Joe Root praised England’s character after his side produced a remarkable turnaround to beat South Africa.
Defeat at Trent Bridge raised questions over England’s approach to Test cricket, but Moeen Ali’s hat-trick completed a stunning victory.
Moeen took the final three wickets in successive deliveries to wrap up victory and a near-perfect performance from Root’s side, and the captain was impressed with the comeback.
He said: “It has been a great week for us – the way we batted in the first innings was so important, we found a really good tempo and it’s a good benchmark for us going forward. We got stuck in and posted a very good score on a challenging wicket. The way we then bowled first up was exceptional and from there, we always felt we were ahead of the game.”
On Moeen’s hat-trick, which had to be referred to the third umpire after an lbw appeal was initially turned down, Ben Stokes commented: “I can’t believe it didn’t get given out!
“It was a dramatic ending to a pretty dramatic day.
“Credit to Dean Elgar with the innings he played. It was a really gutsy hundred. We were glad to see the back of him.”
Stokes was named man-ofthe-match for his first-innings 112, and he admitted he had to rein in his natural attacking instincts on the first day. He said: “There were some difficult periods, with the wicket offering a bit, particularly for Vernon Philander . It’s pleasing to get through those hard times and then be able to express yourself.”
Losing captain Faf du Plessis added: “To allow England 350 in that first innings was probably about 100 too many.”
Hat-trick hero Moeen was thrilled to have secured victory in style and had no hesitation in asking for a review
“I was very confident it was out,” he said. “As soon as the ball left my hand I thought it was straight, and then when it hit the pad I was surprised the umpire initially didn’t give it.
“It was a great feeling. The match ball went straight into the pocket.”debutant Toby Roland-jones ended the match with eight wickets. The Middlesex bowler said: “It has been draining at times, but to come out on top is obviously very rewarding. I couldn’t be happier.” West Indies have arrived for their tour of England focused on proving their critics wrong.
They have also experienced the “bitter disappointment” of missing out on the Champions Trophy, but, despite their greater experience, coach Stuart Law insists they should not be favourites with the pink ball.
The day-night Test at Edgbaston from August 17 represents the first ever in England and the first time the hosts will compete with the Dukes ball.
West Indies used one against Pakistan on their tour of the United Arab Emirates late last year, but despite its potential significance Law is wary of the change in conditions.
The Australian also stressed his team are in a positive place, regardless of the criticism they have received.
“We’ve heard a few things that have been said about this team and are using that to spur us forward and hopefully can put that into our practice games so we hit that first Test match (at Edgbaston) with every base covered,” the 48-yearold said.
“We did a lot of soul searching and mental preparation: finding out where the players are at. The number one on the hit list is playing a Test match at Lord’s. They’re jumping out of their skin to play.
“We’ve given some of the better teams in the world a run for their money in recent times, since I’ve arrived (in January). We beat Pakistan in a Test match and nearly drew the series. We’re getting better every day and the boys are really responding to the work ethic we’ve put into this group.”
Of their pink ball preparations, the former Essex batsman said: “We’ve got to embrace it, we can’t dodge it. We’re going to try and get as much pink ball practice in as we can. We’re trying to organise a couple of games with it before we hit that first Test match.”
He added: “We’ve got some fast bowlers, some quality batsmen, some youth, and a little bit of experience. Everyone’s excited to be here.”