Joe Root reflects on England's win and his hundred
Joe Root hopes his century in England’s warm-up victory over a University of West Indies Vice Chancellor’s XI is a sign of things to come.
Root was unable to find his best form during the disappointing tour of Australia, enduring his poorest run since storming on to the international scene.
However, he struck 104 not out as England racked up 290 for eight at Antigua's Sir Vivian Richards Stadium – a total which ultimately sealed a 29-run warm-up triumph.
Asked if he feels he has rediscovered some lost form, the 23-year-old said: “A little bit.
“I never worried too much about that. I knew I was always going to come back. It was never really a massive worry, just a fresh start here on this tour and really knuckling down and getting back to making some big runs.
“The key is to continue and build on this, and make sure I go on and become more consistent and can be relied upon on more occasions.
“To get runs early on in a tour gives you a lot of confidence for what's to come.”
While Root’s hundred ultimately came in a winning cause, it was not without some nerves as Kyle Corbin’s superb ton threatened to earn the hosts victory.
“You've got to give credit to Corbin,” added Root. “He played exceptionally well. (But) you know the class of our bowlers, and I’ll back them all the time.”
Corbin's efforts at one stage evoked memories of James Faulkner’s remarkable 69 not out in last month's second one-day international against Australia, whom he took to victory in the unlikeliest of circumstances.
“Those things don’t happen very often,” said Root. “I think we did learn from that game, and we're going to have to continue to do that throughout the tour.
“I'm sure we'll take a lot of confidence from this as a side, and will go into (the first ODI against West Indies on) Friday with that.
“We hope we can create a bit of a habit now for the rest of this tour and start something off.”