Root ton takes Lions to easy win

England

Joe Root recorded a century as the England Lions breezed to a straightforward 10-wicket victory over the West Indies at Northampton on Sunday.

Joe Root recorded a century as the England Lions breezed to a straightforward 10-wicket victory over the West Indies at Northampton on Sunday.

A West Indian fightback on day three of the tour match, which saw Kieran Powell score a century for the visitors, had lifted the islanders ahead of Thursday's first Test against England at Lord's.

However Sunday saw the listless West Indians struggling again, as they lost their final two wickets in just half an hour and then looked hapless in the field as the Lions successfully chased down 197 to win.

Root took advantage of the tourists' lack of vigour to notch up his second first class century and finish unbeaten on 115, while opening partner Michael Carberry hit 72 not out.

The Lions took little time to mop up the West Indian tail in the morning, with the tourists adding just 13 runs to their overnight total before Matt Coles picked up the final two wickets to finish with a four-wicket haul.

With the West Indies bowled out for 390 in their second innings the Lions had a reasonably straightforward goal, but it was made easier when Kemar Roach was unable to bowl.

The fast bowler took a blow on his right hand from Stuart Meaker whilst batting in the morning, which was added to the ankle injury he picked up two days ago.

Stand-in skipper Kirk Edwards' options were reduced further when Ravi Rampaul left the field after just four overs with the new ball, leaving Darren Bravo to bowl only his second spell in first-class cricket.

Root and Carberry were predictably untroubled when Bravo's scurrying medium pace was introduced as first change, and were generally untroubled as they eased the Lions to victory before tea on day four.

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