Billy Root hailed retiring captain Chris Read as ‘outstanding’ in helping him through to a maiden Specsavers County Championship century that was pivotal in Nottinghamshire’s promotion back to Division One.

Needing to secure a draw and collect batting bonus points in their final match of the season at Sussex in order to clinch second spot in Division Two, the visitors were in real trouble at 65-5 in their first innings, replying to 565 all out.

But Root scored 132 on day three in tandem with Read, who hit 124 in his final first-class game, to help put Notts’ destiny back in their own hands.

The Green and Golds then rubber-stamped their place back in the top flight by playing out the final day with few alarms, as Sussex reached 227-7 before declaring a 4.20pm, enabling the two captains to shake hands.

“I enjoyed the hundred, it felt good and very pleasing from a personal point of view,” said Root. “I think it’s only my third game so I’d have to say that’s the best I’ve played!

“It was a relief when I got to the three figures, it was one of those where I didn’t want to nudge it and stumble through the nineties – I wanted to get there as quick as I could, but at the same time I still had to focus.

“It was much easier with Ready at the end. He was outstanding. Every time there was a difficult situation you’ve got little nuggets that come from 20 years of professional cricket coming at you from 22 yards away.

“He was telling me just to keep going and little things he said like that make you want to keep going.”

“It’s pretty special for the whole club to get promoted, not just for the lads in the dressing room. I’ve only played two games in the competition and it feels like I’ve contributed a little bit to what’s been a fantastic championship campaign.”

Notts' promotion success comes off the back of winning both white ball trophies – The Royal London One-Day Cup in July and the NatWest T20 Blast earlier this month.

Root insists it has only been possible thanks to the efforts of the whole squad, including those who have now moved on to others things, retired, returned home after an overseas stint or been injured.

He added: “I think what we’ve done from the start of the season is that in whichever format, whichever competition, there’s always been that belief.

“That’s not just from the established players but from everyone that’s played a part in it, everyone’s contributed and I think that’s pretty hard to find.”

Root admits he was nervous going to the wicket with Notts in peril late on the second day ahead of the 242-partnership with Read that transformed the game.

“I was a bit scared – it was a little bit of a spicy situation and honestly it was made a lot easier Ready being there. It wasn’t fun for that hour in the evening.

“But the surface was very good, so we had that going for us and the way the lads at the back end played – I think everyone past six got at least 30 – showed there was belief going from number six down to number 11.

“Harry played the innings of his career to date but again that’s again testament to how hard he’s worked on his batting this winter. It’s just a case of the lads wanting to play for each other that’s helped us out there.”

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