Follow Whatsapp Channel
Friday, Jun 6, 2025
South Africa secured a 62-run victory in sweltering heat in the first One-Day International.
The victory was a tribute to England’s belief and their cavalier approach under the new captain-coach combination of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
Root went on to smash a masterly 142 not out, his 28th Test century, forging a mammoth 269-run partnership for the unbroken fourth wicket with Bairstow, who remained unbeaten on 114.
"Joe just loves batting," said Matt. "As a kid, wherever someone would bowl at him he'd be there with a bat. He just loves doing it, he just loves batting."
The 31-year-old stepped down as skipper in the aftermath of England's 1-0 series defeat in the Caribbean in March, which came on the heels of a disastrous 4-0 loss against Australia in the Ashes.
Root went the 10,000-run mark in the first Test against New Zealand to become just the 14th cricketer to score 10,000 Test runs.
Former captain Root became the 14th batsman to pass 10,000 Test runs and finished on 115 not out after sharing a sixth-wicket partnership of 120 with Ben Foakes, whose 32 not out was also crucial for England to reach their victory target of 277.
Root, 31, stepped down earlier this month after England won one of their previous 17 Tests.
In all likelihood, after five years at the helm, Root will be feeling satiated and hence not likely to miss the responsibilities of leading the side.
Root's future as head of the team came increasingly under the microscope after England slumped to a 4-0 defeat Down Under last year and then went down 1-0 in a three-Test series in the West Indies.
Results 11-20 of 62
You can always sign back in at any time.
You have reached the maximum number of saved items. Please remove some items.
