"He thought it was a good idea to scoop a 6 foot 9 giant who's bowling rockets" - Stokes on Root's unorthodox shot to bring up his 36th Test ton
England skipper Ben Stokes was in awe of Joe Root's audacious scoop shot off William O'Rourke's bowling to reach his 36th Test hundred on Day 3 of the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington. The captain was at the non-striker's end when the ace batter pulled off the daredevil move, and script history in the process.
Root, who was battling a string of poor scores after his imperious double ton in Multan in October, looked in sublime touch while aiding England to stretch their lead in the second innings. He was dismissed for three in the first innings courtesy of a stunning catch by Daryl Mitchell at first slip, and was determined to make amends.
Coming into bat with the lead soaring after a dominant 186-run partnership between Jacob Bethell and Ben Duckett, the right-handed batter eased his way into the proceedings, and ended up with an unbeaten 73 at Stumps on Day 2. He polished off the remaining runs in the first session on Day 3, including a scoop shot to reach the three-figure mark.
"I thought it was amazing. Latham had a man out there that whole morning and then he bought it up, and Root thought it was a good idea to scoop a 6 foot 9 giant who's bowling rockets, and it came off. It was awesome. Absolutely class for him to do that," Stokes said during the post-match press conference (via ESPNcricinfo).
England declared their innings at 427-6 after O'Rourke dismissed Root for 106 runs off 130 deliveries, which included 11 fours at a strike rate of 81.53.
"I did call it to a few people saying that he'll score a 100 this game" - Ben Stokes on Joe Root
England were well-placed for an unassailable 2-0 lead after handing New Zealand a mammoth target of 583 runs in Wellington. The hosts were bowled out for 259 to hand Ben Stokes and co. a 323-run win. This marked the visitors' first series win in New Zealand since 2008.
Stokes recalled that he had predicted Root to score a ton in the second Test, much like how he did during England's last appearance at the venue in early 2023.
He is desperate to do well for this team. He knows how important he is. When he does we, we generally do well. When he does not score runs in a Test match, he feels like he's let everyone down, because he's that good. Actually, I did call it to a few people saying that he'll score a 100 this game. He is an unbelievable player," Stokes added (as per the aforementioned source).
The third and final Test between England and New Zealand is scheduled to begin from Saturday, December 14 onwards at Seddon Park in Hamilton.