Watch: Joe Root unleashed a now-trademark reverse lap over the slip cordon for a four, moments after commentators remarked over the lack of adventurous strokes in his innings, during the opening day of the second New Zealand-England Test.

Root and Harry Brook combined to pull England out from the pit of 21-3 in seven overs, stitching together a mammoth, unbroken 294-run stand before rain ended the day at 65 overs.

While Brook scored runs at a frenetic pace, ending the day on 184* off 169 balls, Root was the more sedate of the two, stroking 101 off 182 balls. It was his first Test ton of 2023, and his twelfth in the format in the last two years.

Brook hit 24 fours and five sixes as part of his onslaught, while Root happily played the supporting hand, collecting five boundaries in all. One of them was a reverse lap for four, a shot he’s played often lately. The brazen shot divided opinion earlier this month, when, in an attempt to reverse scoop Neil Wagner, he was dismissed in the slip cordon during the first Test.

Midway through the 63rd over, with Root on 88, the commentators were heard discussing how the former captain hadn’t decided to be as adventurous this time:

“Brook has played so well at the other end, Joe has just been able to play like..Joe”.

“No reverse sweeps today.”

“And he’s left them alone for now, yeah”.

Seconds later, Root hopped in his crease and turned around, ramping Wagner (yes, him again) over the slip cordon for a four, and going into the nineties. Root shook his head and beamed a big smile, reaching his century two overs later.

Watch the incredible hit here:

 

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