ENGvsWI: Sublime Alastair Cook, Joe Root tons put England in command at Edgbaston

England’s Joe Root and Alastair Cook crafted superb centuries to lead the hosts to a commanding 348 for three on the opening day of their first day-night test against West Indies on Thursday. Captain Root mastered the pink ball to make 136 and Cook was unbeaten on 153 at the close as England recovered strongly from a perilous 39 for two to take control of the game at Edgbaston.

“Today was about making sure we got into a position of strength,” Root said. “It’s something we did well in the last two games and to do it today is brilliant, but it will mean nothing if we don’t back it up tomorrow. I know it’s simple and boring, but all we tried to do was do the basics well. We went in with an open mind and played the situation in front of us.”

Root would have been hoping for a steady opening stand after winning the toss but Mark Stoneman, making his debut as Cook’s latest partner, was bowled off-stump by a fine delivery from Kemar Roach. Miguel Cummins then trapped Tom Westley lbw, West Indies successfully reviewing the umpire’s not out decision to leave England in trouble at the start …read more