Hamilton – Day four of the second test vs. New Zealand and Joe Root completed a double ton. Importantly, his first innings 226, gives England a squeak of victory at Seddon Park on the final day.
Joe’s 226 (22 fours, 1 six) took 441 balls. Measured by time, this was his longest innings at just over 10 hours. And, it was the fifth highest innings by an England captain.
There will be a collective sigh of relief from England’s fans who will see Joe’s double ton as a return to batting form.
The prospect of England drawing the two-match series, hinged on a sixth wicket stand of 193 with Ollie Pope (75). This was after Joe added 177 with Rory Burns for the third wicket.
Joe was the seventh England batter out with the score on 458. With just 18 more runs added England were all out for 476.
At the close of play New Zealand were 96-2.
Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images