Joe Root hails captain Ben Stokes for ‘getting the best out of himself as a leader’

Joe Root paid tribute to Ben Stokes’ captaincy after another productive day for England and then insisted that his successor will soon be back to his best.

Root made an unbeaten 153 before Stokes’ last imaginative return for England at 435 for eight and then saw Jimmy Anderson and Jack Leach take three wickets each as New Zealand crashed to 138 for seven in reply on the second day of the final test.

But Stokes again gave away his wicket too easily to go down for 27 and seems more determined than ever to push himself when he reaches the crease rather than simply bat positively.

But the former England captain believes Stokes is more than proving himself to the new England with his leadership and says he will return to contribute with bat and ball when the need for him to stand up arises.

“I think he’s doing a brilliant job bringing out the best in himself as a leader,” Root said after rain interrupted the second day again. “The decisions he makes under pressure, the way he manages the team and his players is the best I’ve ever seen.

Joe Root paid tribute to Ben Stokes’ captaincy after another productive day for England

“You look at all the youngsters who are thriving right now and it’s certainly bringing out the best in them. And he’s getting more and more out of the experienced guys.

“There’s no doubt that his own performances will come and you know he’s the type of big-game player when there’s going to be a situation where we’re going to go up against each other and he’s going to get up and deliver.” In my opinion, it is only a matter of time.

Root also paid tribute to Harry Brook who was only able to add two to his 184 overnight but joined his fellow Yorkshireman in a record standing of 302 as England were in trouble on 21 from three on the first morning. .

“Every time you’re in the crease with Brooky right now, he’s making it easier for you,” Root said. ‘He manages to put the pressure on the bowlers again, hit them and get the momentum back in your favor.

“Other than I thought I played, a lot of credit has to go to him because he’s almost playing on a different planet, on a completely different surface than everyone else.” Such skill, such confidence and ability. It’s a joy to watch and I felt like he had the best seat in the house.’

Root has advised his successor, Stokes, to find form with both bat and ball when necessary.