England batsman Joe Root hopes the side can back up their performance from Lord’s and win the two match series when they reconvene their battle with New Zealand at Headingley.

Scores of 98 and 84 ensured Root was the backbone of the hosts’ recovery in the game, after handing up a 134-run deficit after the first innings.

Those runs also lifted him to the No.5 ranked batsmen in test cricket and Root is hoping he, and the side, can kick on and put a string of results together, starting with the Black Caps on Friday.

“That is obviously our goal, to win every game we play, and that is why it was such a disappointing game in Barbados, because we were poor for just one hour. For the rest of the game we were fantastic,” Root said.

“But it is about making sure small periods of play don’t cost us and trying to limit them to as few as possible.”

“It is making sure small periods of play don’t cost us and trying to limit them to as few as possible. We have a lot of young and exciting players that are trying to establish themselves in the side.

“The more they do that, the more those little errors will creep out of our game. The more confidence guys like Ben Stokes get with performances like that, and Mark Wood coming in and performing from the off from debut, is fantastic.

“That confidence doesn’t just give them a boost, it gives everyone a boost.”

Another standout performer in the first test was Ben Stokes, his record 85-ball hundred in the second innings laying the platform for England to clinch victory.

Vice-captain Root knows there is plenty more to come from the all-rounder and believes he has to keep playing his natural game.

“It will not work every time and could have looked slightly reckless if it didn’t come off. But it is the way he plays and what he brings to the side, and why he was picked to bat at six, to put them under pressure,” said Root.

“He did that perfectly well. The key for him and the rest of us now is to make sure it is not a one-off and go on and do it again this week. Fingers crossed Lord’s was not a one-off and it is the start of us moving forwards as a side.

“The thing about Ben is that every time he pulls on the shirt he gives absolutely everything and I don't think he'll change. You want him in the side because he rubs off on you.”

“And when he is batting, he is a free spirit, he goes and plays his shots and puts sides under pressure. In the field, he is dynamic, he can field anywhere. He is one of those blokes you want in the side because he rubs off on you and gives everything.”

In between tests, Trevor Bayliss has been announced as the new England head coach, a decision Root welcomes.

"I think (nine) of the (Australia) squad he's worked with before in New South Wales so that obviously will be a slight advantage,” he said.

“More than anything, it's just pleasing to see or be able to get the chance to work with someone who's worked in international cricket and domestic cricket."

 

Trent Bridge hosts the fourth Royal London One-Day International between England and New Zealand on Wednesday 17 June. Don't miss the chance to watch England's rivalry against the Kiwis continue with explosive white ball action and secure your seat now.