Joe Root delighted after winning start to life as England Test captain against South Africa
Monday 10 July 2017 10:36, UK
Joe Root enjoyed a dream start to life as England Test captain with victory over South Africa at Lord's and put the win down to an all-round team effort.
Root himself made 190 in the first innings while Moeen Ali took 10 wickets in the match and was also one of five England players to hit a half-century in the match.
Having set South Africa 331 to win, Ali led the way as England skittled them for just 119 to ensure the Root era began with a win.
"It is a great start," Root told Sky Sports. "Everything I asked the lads this week they did. They responded to all the challenges.
"Throughout the whole game everyone contributed at some point along the way. I think that is a really pleasing sign that the whole team has played a big part in this win.
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"It is great to go to Trent Bridge 1-0 up."
As for his own performance with the bat, Root admitted he was pleased to get a big score so early in his captaincy but was quick to praise the contribution of others.
"It is obviously nice," Root added. "Monkey off the back to get one early. We had some vital partnerships, in both innings, and the lads responded to what was asked of them.
"The way Moeen played in the first innings put pressure straight back on South Africa and, at times, [with the ball] he had very aggressive fields and was still able to be consistent and make it very difficult for the batters to take him on."
Watch the second Test between England and South Africa at Trent Bridge from 10.30am on Friday, Sky Sports 2 HD.
