Joe’s double century at Root of England success
from Pakistan, was exactly what we needed to do,” the Yorkshireman added.
“It could have been very easy for us to lose a couple of early wickets and let them back into the game.
“But Chris played outstandingly well this morning, and then the guys who came in afterwards continued that.
“Then the boys with the ball tonight were outstanding as well, so we’ve got a really good opportunity when we come back tomorrow to continue applying pressure.”
Root rarely shows any signs of getting bored at the crease – but just in case, England bowling coach Ottis Gibson had a quiet (and effective) word.
“Ottis came to me at tea yesterday, and said ‘if you ever get bored of batting, take a deep breath and start again’.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about that throughout the whole innings.”
Woakes has excelled himself of late, and his all-round performance here was further consolidation.
“He’s been outstanding this summer, and it’s great to see,” said Root.
“It just shows where he is with his game at the moment, coming to Cookie last night and saying: ‘I want to do the nightwatchman – I want to get out there and play’.
“It’s great to have guys in the squad taking responsibility and wanting to stick their hand up and make a statement to the team and the opposition.”
As for Root’s re-elevation to number three, a source of minor controversy as England try to fill that gap,
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Joe Root is congratulated by Pakistan wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed and Jonny Bairstow after being dismissed for 254 at Old Trafford yesterday. he could be forgiven for boasting a little about the start he has made – but chose not to.
“We’ll see – I’ve only had three innings there. It’s very nice to get a big score early on batting at three, and I hope it’s the first of a few.”
Pakistan face a tough task to stay ahead in the series.
Batting coach Grant Flower conceded they could ill afford to lose four wickets for 26 runs in under 10 overs.
“That was extremely damaging,” he said. “It wasn’t good enough, but we still have good players to come in and we will have to bat better second time around.
“There was weariness, and a huge score like that plays mind tricks. But that’s what happens in Test cricket, so it’s no excuse.”