Southampton – There was yet another 100 for Joe Root yesterday (14 June). Opening the batting in place of the injured Jason Roy, Joe scored his second century in the 2019 World Cup.
Joe scored 107 in England’s second group match vs. Pakistan. Just two game later vs. the West Indies, he crafted an unbeaten 100no and set England on course for an 8 wicket victory.
Batting first, West Indies set England a reachable target of 213.
Joe set about the West Indian bowlers by weaving traditional shot-making with the innovative batting skills now demanded in white ball cricket. Both the purist and fans of ingenuity could find pleasure in Joe’s cultured, yet inventive, innings.
Joe and Jonny Bairstow (45) put on 95 for the first wicket. Then Chris Woakes (40) and Joe added 104 runs. The pair, taking England close to the finishing line and their third win from four matches.
With Ben Stokes (10no), Joe guided England home in the 34th over. England, at present, are second in the World Cup standings and only New Zealand are stationed above them.
Currently, Joe is the highest run scorer in the World Cup. In four matches he has accumulated 279 runs. However, his bowling should not be overlooked. Yesterday, he took 2 West Indies wickets for 27 runs in 5 overs.
After his cricketing masterclass, Joe was rewarded with the Man of the Match award.
(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)