BANG ON TARGET

Root century lights the way

TON-UP Joe Root ensured England wiped out the memory of their World Cup shocker with Bangladesh.

Two years ago, Eoin Morgan’s shambolic side were put out of their misery when they were knocked out by yesterday’s opponents.

But, such has been the progress in England’s white-ball side, that dismal night in Adelaide seems light years ago. Six of those players figured at The Oval but England’s approach is no longer from the dark ages.

Morgan’s men are in a different place and posted the biggest run chase in Champions Trophy history to overhaul Bangladesh’s total of 305-6.

That record-breaking feat got England up and running in their own tournament with eight wickets and 16 balls to spare.

Ability

Root said: “It is a great statement but more than anything, it fills us with confidence going into the next game against New Zealand.

“It’s a really good start and something to build on and hopefully we can do that.

“There’s a lot of confidence, we back each other’s ability, and that’s rubbing off on the team.”

England are strongly fancied to win their first global 50-over trophy largely because of the strength of their batting.

After Jason Roy’s miserable run of form continued when he fell for just one, Alex Hales (95) was the dominant presence in a second-wicket stand of 159 with Root.

When Hales holed out, Root (133) and Morgan (75) ® raced to another unbroken three-figure partnership.

However, injuries are starting to look like England’s biggest problem. After pre-match doubts over Stokes, who bowled seven overs and took England’s first wicket, Chris Woakes became the latest injury victim.

Root should recover from calf and ankle problems but the loss of Woakes, England’s highestranked ODI bowler, would be a huge blow.

It was left to Liam Plunkett to step up in his absence, taking 4-59 to put the brakes on the Bangladesh innings.

He removed opener Tamim Iqbal (128) and Mushfiqur Rahim (79) in successive balls to halt the Tigers’ momentum, even though they posted a testing total.

England will have to shuffle their bowling options, with the dropped Adil Rashid set to return against the Kiwis on Tuesday.

Morgan said: “Chris has been very impressive for us over the last couple of years and a mainstay, very reliable guy.

“Side strains are a big confidence thing. He would definitely be a loss if he couldn’t play.”