Joe Root: I wasn't at my best for England captain bow despite unbeaten 184

Skipper: Joe Root
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Tom Collomosse7 July 2017

Joe Root produced the performance of a lifetime to score an unbeaten 184 in his first innings as England captain – despite suffering from a heavy cold throughout his innings.

Root was at the crease for all but the first half-hour of play, when South Africa had England 17 for two. He was dropped on five and 16 and was stumped off a no-ball on 149, but made the most of his luck to record 184 not out, the highest score by an England player in their opening innings as captain.

Root’s work ensured England recovered from 76 for four to 357 for five at the close. Moeen Ali resumes on Friday 61 not out, while Ben Stokes made 56. Stokes was also bowled by Morne Morkel for 44, but the South Africa paceman had delivered a no-ball.

Root admitted he had felt well below his best throughout the day but believed it could even have improved his performance.

“It may have helped me concentrate slightly better,” he said. “I wasn’t 100 per cent so I knew I needed to work hard to get through it, and make the most of the start I got.

“I felt pretty groggy. This morning I didn’t feel great when I woke up but there was nothing could stop me trying to enjoy the day.

“It’s an amazing opportunity and privilege to be England captain and wanted to make sure I went out there and enjoyed it. I wanted to make the most of everything. A cold wasn’t going to get in the way.”

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Root also sensed the day might unfold in his favour when he was twice fortunate early in his innings. Substitute fielder Aiden Markram was poorly-positioned on the long-leg boundary, meaning Root’s top-edged pull shot off Kagiso Rabada flew over his head. Rabada was cursing again when JP Duminy spared Root by spilling a chance at gully.

Root’s grandfather and parents were among a capacity crowd at Lord’s, along with his partner, Carrie, and their baby son, Alfred.

Root added: “When you get a life early on, you feel it’s your day and you try to make the most of it. I hope it’s not the end of the innings. It all seemed to fall into place.

“My main feeling is relief. As captain, you want to set an example and try to tick off the first century early, but when I walked out to bat I felt exactly the same as I have when previously playing for England. I was quite surprised at how normal it felt. I don’t think it could have gone much better.”

South Africa sent down 13 no-balls in total and seam bowler Vernon Philander, who finished with three for 46, admitted: “Everything went pear-shaped after lunch and it was a poor day in the field. A couple of guys over-stepped and it cost us wickets. There are no excuses.”

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