JOE ROOT was a cricket legend as England won the second Test.

Skipper Root celebrated his 25th Test century by attending his most recent masterclass.

The party will be rounded out by Dan Lawrence, who is expected to make the most of his debut England career.

There is no doubt that a pancake pitch will make any bowling attack ineffective and result in a draw.

England has run on the board with 244-3 at the end. More to come.

Lawrence will regret not trying to score a Test-best of 91 by trying for a 14th four and a towering six off the last ball.

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It was heartbreaking for Lawrence, but England came out on top on a slow, low-quality surface that offered little after the initial shine faded.

Root decided to simply grind the home attack to dust before flicking on the switch and capitalize on every scoring opportunity.

He was delighted to have completed his second consecutive century, which included 12 fours after his 109.

England's skipper, who will be back on 119 not out, now has 2,018 runs, eight centuries, since 2021. Remarkable.

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Root was almost stranded by Lawrence after tea, and Root suffered a few scares.

Root was unable to make use of his 78th 50+ Test score when he was set. But, converting it into yet another hundred made mockery of that moan a few years back. But not anymore.

In the 145 years of Test history, only 21 players have scored more centuries in this format. Fortunately, Sir Garry Sobers was there to witness Root's latest performance.

He saw an almost perfect day for Root England and England, especially after Craig Overton was unwell. This meant that Yorkshire's Matt Fisher joined Saqib Mahamood to earn his debut cap.

Zak Crawley was looking for a duck and was caught behind a Jayden Sessions ball. He tried to leave too late but that was the end.

Root was assisted by Alex Lees. Root scored a patient 30 out of 138 balls, before Veerasammy Permaul trapped him in front.

England lost the openers by scoring 80 runs after 45 overs. Lees' strategy was instrumental in this score. The Barmy Army, which had a stronger base, was able to get off jetlag and not worry about missing much.

Root and Lawrence were able to use it as a platform to increase their speed before finally giving up.

The Windies were responsible for their own problems. Root had already survived a difficult moment. Jason Holder was not pushing for a review of Root's performance with the skipper on 23.

Television replays showed that there was a clear inside edge to his pads and behind. However, it may not have been enough.

Root smiled as if he was smiling after lunch, when diving Da Silva struck a one-hander off the bat's face from Kemar Roach’s leg-side delivery. Root should have held on.

It was unabated and constant from that point, Lawrence adding real flair and impetus to the process.

Lawrence signaled his intention by pushing Jason Holder and putting his back to the leg.

Permaul, a spinner, was then lifted over the deep midwicket boundary.

Root was now using his trademark sweep. However, his glide to three figures may have been cut off by Lawrence's call on John Campbell misfield. Root left both briefly at the end.

Lawrence's bat was more secure than running and calling. His fourth Test 50 came off only 62 balls.

However, Root pulled Seales backwards and placed his milestone in the shadows.

But there was a sting when Lawrence had already hit two more fours and passed Jason Holder to Kraigg Brathwaite. Today will be great.

England's women won a crucial four wicket victory over India in Mount Maunganui to rekindle their World Cup hopes.

Charlie Dean's 4-23 spell with her off-breaks was enough to bowl the Indians out for just 134 runs in 37 overs

Heather Knight, Skipper, settled any doubts with an unbeaten 53. England returned home with 19 runs to spare. England now faces host New Zealand in a crucial game on Sunday.