Joe’s Batting Playground

Galle – Today Joe Root duly completed his second century in Sri Lanka and his first in Galle. The pitches of Sri Lanka are becoming Joe’s batting playground. He batted throughout a rain interrupted day to finish on 168no in the first Test.

Early on the second day, England lost Bairstow (47) and out stepped debutant Dan Lawrence to the crease. Together with Joe, Lawrence (73) added 173 for the fourth wicket and in the process took the Test away from Sri Lanka.

On a pitch that kept the spinners interested, Joe’s innings was one of almost joyous substance. Joe kept the scoreboard moving, his innings weaving singles and twos with boundaries, his innings to date, includes 12 fours.

With his score on 89 Joe breezed past 12000 first class runs. Yet, this was the mere prelude to his eighteenth Test century which came off 163 balls.

After the loss of Lawrence, Phoenix family member Jos Buttler (7no) joined Joe, together they took England to tea. The return of rain brought an early close to play, with England in command on 320-4.

When play resumes, England supporters will be looking forward to the prospect of Joe’s double century and, as the Test unfolds, an England win.

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(PhoenixMedia Image Created from a Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)