Joe Root scored another century in Test cricket. That we heard as often as he plays a test series. Truly, a modern day great, pressing in right direction to become all time great batsman in test cricket. It will not be wrong to assume that another Joe Root century is on cards when he plays at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. What is left to say about rest of the bowling unit, there are variations, potential and a fine combination of experience and agression in the current English bowling line-up.
New Zealand could have done better but that’s how test cricket unrolls. Against England in England in front of a sold out crowd is a mighty job to do. Kane Williamson will not care much about the loss as there was a hint of progress in the second innings. He couldn’t blame much the top order because bowl was swinging with late movement. Now as it stands, Kane Williamson is set to miss the second test match because he has been found Covid-19 positive. In his absence, Tom Latham will lead the side. Whoever the captain may be, the captain has to come forward and play the role of leading figure. He is urgent need to express his game rather than fixing the ifs and buts in the entire team.
Playing XI: Tom Latham (c) Will Young, Hamish Rutherford, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell (WK), Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel/Neil Wagner, Trent Boult
Playing XI: Alex Lees, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes (WK), Matthew Potts, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Jack Leach