SA vs ENG 2020: Joe Root Happy as England Find Success with the Bat

England has more often faced the accusation of trying to replicate their attacking white-ball approach while playing Test match cricket. However, Joe Root said he’s happy that under his captaincy, England have found their attacking intent, as well as, tight defence during the third Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth.

The visitors put up a massive 499/9 before declaring. They batted 152 overs in the first innings before going to win the Test by an innings and 53 runs. With this win, they retained the Basil d’Oliveira trophy with a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.

Joe Root on his team

“I thought it was a brilliant template for us moving forward as a team with big first-innings runs and we really drove the game from that point onwards,” Reuters quoted Joe Root as saying after the game. “It was brilliant start by the openers and then the (203-run) partnership between Ollie (Pope) and Ben Stokes, who just continued the magnificent form that he has been in from the start of the series.”

“That’s great to see but to also see another two youngsters in this game really step up to the plate and make massive contribution is exactly what we are after at the moment in our development as a team. It fills the whole group with massive confidence,” the captain further added.

On the bowling front, England did pretty well as they didn’t allow Proteas batsmen to open their arms. They took 20 wickets in each Test which they earlier struggled to do in away from home. Even Root was happy that big 100s also came with the bat. However, the captain said they will improve in future.

He further added that they’re heading in the right direction and the players are willing to learn as well. Even the captain believes they are very clear of the direction. The fourth and final Test will take place in Johannesburg from January 24.