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Former England skipper continued to trust in the ‘Bazball’ approach as he walked to bat in the first session of two-day warm-up encounter against New Zealand XI at Seddon Park, Hamilton. On Day 1 of the warm-up, Root smashed a 69-ball 77. Along the way, he smashed Kiwi bowlers all around the park including a typical T20 reverse scoop against one of the pacers.
England lost three wickets for 97 from 17 overs. Root did not hold back and searched for boundaries. With first slip in place against right-arm pacer, Root quickly changed his stance and scooped it over the 30-yard circle for a maximum.
Root's innings came to an end in the second session. 20-year-old Indian-origin off-spinner Adithya Ashok forced an edge off Root's bat as he broke the fourth-wicket partnership between him and Harry Brook. Root's 77-run knock included 11 fours and two sixes.
Even after Root’s wicket the onslaught on Kiwi bowlers continued as they saw the ball take flight too many times. Brook even went on to hit Ashok for five sixes in an over. Brook however missed his century as he got dismissed for 97. He batted with a strike rate of 136.62. His knock included seven fours and nine sixes.
Daniel Lawrence batted with a similar philosophy. He scored at a better rate than Brook. He scored 85 runs from 55 deliveries including 12 fours and three sixes. Kyle Jamieson put an end to his rampant knock. Jamieson is set for return to international cricket after a back injury ruled him out of action for more than six months.
Ben Foakes scored a half-century as well whereas Will Jacks, Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson contributed with cameos. England got all out but posted a total of daunting total of 465. The attacking display is almost like a warning to the New Zealand side scheduled to play a two-Test series against them starting February 16 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.
