ROOT HAS A TON O'FUN

Skipper smashes it then declares

- DEAN WILSON

JOE ROOT could break out a big first Test smile in Antigua and not just because he has now scored more hundreds than any other England captain.

Root’s team not only put a firm halt to their losing trend this winter, but were also in a position to go looking for an unlikely win with a sporting declaration on day five.

It might have been in a little more hope than expectation as the pitch continued to hold firm rather than crumble and break up.

The declaration at 349-6 had come in large part thanks to Root who had brought up his 24th Test hundred to move one clear of Kevin Pietersen on the England all time list.