LONDON: Former captain Joe Root’s century led England to a five-wicket win in the first Test against New Zealand on the fourth morning at Lord’s.
Root, who ended 115 not out, also became the second England batter after Sir Alastair Cook to reach 10,000 Test runs.
From 216-5 overnight, 61 short of their target of 277, the home side were taken to victory by Root’s unbeaten sixth-wicket stand of 120 with Ben Foakes, who made 32 not out.
Despite the challenge of the gloomy conditions, the England pair were assured throughout, taking the tension away from what could have been a nerve-shredding morning.
When Root pulled Tim Southee for the winning boundary, it completed a remarkable turnaround from 69-4 on the third afternoon and finally gave England a Test win after only one in their previous 17 matches.
