England captain Eoin Morgan hailed Joe Root as “our rock” after the tourists’ record-breaking win in the first one-day international against West Indies.
Root and Jason Roy hit centuries as England completed the biggest chase in their history at Kensington Oval on Wednesday after being set 361 to go 1-0 up in the series.
Chris Gayle struck 12 sixes for West Indies on his way to 135 as the hosts posted 360-8 but Roy (123) responded with a 65-ball ton and shared a century stand with Root (102).
“For Jason to go on and play such a commanding innings really set us up for such a big run-chase,” said Morgan.
“It’s amazing, the way he plays. To come out and show the courage he does and the trust that he does. It’s brilliant.
“People will forget Joe scored a hundred there too. He made it look very easy, but we’re so fortunate to have a guy like that who can be our rock. He’s no slouch.”
“The manner we started set the tone of the innings, Jason and Jonny were outstanding,” said Morgan.
“They do show similar attributes to Chris, who’s been doing it for 20 years. That ability to put your best ball away for four or six is heart-breaking as a bowler.
“To have guys like that continuously putting pressure on your opening bowlers is not only difficult to play against but difficult to captain against as well.”
The second One-Day International will be played today at Kensington Oval. (Sky Sports)
(Picture by Kenmore Bynoe.)
Joe Root (FP)
BCA president Conde Riley (left) receiving a gift from president of the Argentine Cricket Association Hernan Pereyra while Argentina’s ambassador to Barbados Gustavo Pandiani looks on.
