ENGLAND'S SCOOPERMAN

Root reaches another ton in unorthodox fashion as England crush the Black Caps

- RORY DOLLARD

IT was hardly his most elegant moment but Joe Root saw the funny side.

Two away from the 36th Test century of his career, Root dropped to his knees to play the reverse ramp against Will O'Rourke, tumbling to the floor and just clearing wicketkeeper.

Grinning, he charged to celebrate with his skipper Ben Stokes at the nonstriker's end. And what did his skipper think? "I thought it was amazing... to scoop a 6ft 9in giant who was bowling rockets. It came off and it was awesome," said Stokes.

The next ball Root hammered for four but was caught one-handed by Tom Blundell from the one after that, with Stokes immediately drawing the innings to an end, even though he was 49 not out.

Stokes was impatient to get his side bowling despite no shortage of time to add more.