Cricket Crawley: Squad chuffed for Root after first ton Down Under

ZAK Crawley paid tribute to England's “humble” hero Joe Root after he finally celebrated a first Test century on Australian soil.

- Rory DOLLARD

Joe Root acknowledges the crowd after reaching his ton

(Robbie Stephenson/PA)

Root may be England’s record runscorer, and second only to Sachin Tendulkar on the all-time list, but he was branded a “dud” by the media on arrival Down Under having failed to score a Test hundred in 15 matches dating back 13 years.

Scores of nought and eight in a losing cause in the series opener at Perth placed him firmly in the spotlight for this day-night second Test at the Gabba, but he responded by laying hands on his own Holy Grail.

Arriving at the crease with England in deep trouble at five for two, he batted through to the end of a thrilling day to finish unbeaten on 135 in a score of 325 for nine.