ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (AP) – Joe Root’s first overseas century propelled England to 373 for six and a 74-run lead over the West Indies after three days of the second cricket Test on Thursday.
Root joined Gary Ballance after lunch after England had just lost captain Alastair Cook and Ian Bell in quick succession. Together on a placid pitch, they upped the dire run-rate and lifted England past West Indies’ first-innings total of 299.
Ballance was out for 77 in the stand of 165, diverting a drive of part-time offspinner Marlon Samuels on to his leg stump at 329 for four.
Root, on 86 at the time, remained focused and aggressive as Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes threw away their wickets, reaching his century off 125 balls about halfway through the evening session.
At stumps, Root was on a commanding, unbeaten 118, and Jos Buttler at 4.
