England vs West Indies news: Joe Root 'an honour' to work with, says England batting coach
Batting coach Marcus Trescothick was full of praise for England's captain after his superb century in the West Indies.
Joe Root stole the headlines on the first day of the second Test, compiling an unbeaten 119 to take England to 244/3, as the tourists enjoyed a strong start in Barbados.
It marked the 26th century in Root's Test career, and his second in a matter of days after his 109 in last week's draw.
With the 31-year-old still facing criticism over the decision to stick with him as England captain after the dismal 4-0 Ashes defeat over the winter, Root's recent performances show exactly why he remains a respected figure in the dressing room.
An incredible reception ๐
โ England Cricket (@englandcricket) March 16, 2022
For our incredible leader ๐
Scorecard: https://t.co/d2gy5BUkWH
๐ #WIvENG ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ | @Root66 pic.twitter.com/eCLdTVXba2
England batting coach Marcus Trescothick reinforces that by labelling it "an honour" to work with Root in the England setup.
"It's an honour to stand there (in practice) and throw at him and then to sit back and watch him all day," said Trescothick, who knows a thing or two about making Test hundreds after making 14 of his own.
"It's just a real pleasure to sit there and watch it unfold and see how he goes about it. To see him batting in the fashion he has, the mental discipline and approach he's putting into his batting to come back and start fresh every timeโฆ he's in elite company, absolutely. There's no reason why it can't continue.
"He'll be delighted to be not out overnight, following another good hundred last week. To do it all again he'll be delighted."
England started day one shakily, but Alex Lees helped to settle the side, making 30 from 138 to recover from Zak Crawley's duck.
The following partnership of Root and Dan Lawrence proved to be one of extreme success though, with the duo making a stand of 164.
The latter was agonisingly dismissed in the final act before stumps for 91, leaving him painfully short of a maiden ton.
We're gutted for you, Loz.
โ England Cricket (@englandcricket) March 16, 2022
But we know with your talent and your hard work, that hundred is just around the corner ๐ช
๐ #WIvENG ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ pic.twitter.com/wES0JC2ZmT
Trescothick also praised Root's leadership and experience on the field, stating it helps fill confidence in any partnership.
"To have Joe's experience at the other end, someone who absorbs the pressure is perfect," said Trescothick.
"He doesn't make it look easy necessarily, but it fills you confidence and helps you enjoy the partnership.
"For the younger lads coming in to be putting scores in is a really nice place to be as well and we're hoping we can keep forging that as we go through the series.
"You always take the positives and we will with Dan."
England resume play at 14:00 GMT at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, with Root set to build on his 119 and England's 244.