West Indies vs England: Joe Root lauds visitors' character in fighting draw in the first Test
India Today
Captain Joe Root was disappointed that England could not push for a victory over West Indies on the final day of the 1st Test but took pride in the way they fought back after a horror first session in the series opener.
England captain Joe Root lauded the team's character, saying the way they overcame the horror start in the first innings and come within touching distance of a win in the 1st Test of a 3-match series against West Indies was impressive.
England were jolted in the first hour of the series opener as they reduced to 48/4 which brought back memories of their Ashes horror. However, Jonny Bairstow had hit a hundred to revive England's first innings. England finished with 311 in the first innings but allowed West Indies to hit 375 and take a lead but hundreds from captain Root and Zak Crawley, who opened the innings, put the visitors out of danger in the 2nd innings.
England had West Indies reeling at 79/4 on the final day but Jason Holder and Nkrumah Bonner arrested the slide and helped the hosts seal a draw.
"I'm really proud of the team today, the (whole) week actually," Root said.
"From that first hour when we found ourselves in a tricky spot (losing four quick wickets), I think the character we showed off the back of the previous tour to not panic and get ourselves back in the game ... we got better and better on a very docile wicket for our seamers.
"(There are a) lot of good signs going into the rest of the series."
The captain, one of three century-makers on the England team, heaped praise on the other two, veteran Jonny Bairstow and young Zak Crawley.
