Joe Root is the best England batsman I've played with, says Alastair Cook

Joe Root has made ripples in world cricket in a very short span and achieved success in every way possible. Having made his Test debut in 2012, he’s quickly climbed up the rungs of the ladder and is currently the skipper of the England Test team. His fellow player and former captain, Alastair Cook opines that Root is probably the best that he’s had the fortune of playing with.

Cook was all praises for Root at the end of the first day of their Test match against West Indies. This particular Test at Edgbaston also marked England’s arrival into the era of day/night Test matches. Cook looked at supreme ease as he ended the first day at 153 and shared a partnership worth 248 runs with Root (136). England ended the day at a formidable score of 348 for the loss of 3 wickets.

Cook applauds Joe Root

As the England skipper marked his 13th Test century with his knock of 136 runs at Edgbaston on Thursday, Cook lauded the 26-year-old batsman for his abundant talent. Speaking to the reporters, he said, “He kind of makes it look quite easy. Frustratingly easy. It’s incredible he manages to score like he does. If he’s not the best England player I’ve played with he’s right up there. His game is phenomenal…He’s just phenomenally consistent against world-class bowlers around the world.”

Speaking about the live wire crowd support

Cook spoke at length about the inaugural pink ball Test and expressed his elation at the lively crowd support that they received. “The crowd enjoyed it and it was a good day for England,” said the prolific southpaw, who scored his 31st Test century on the very first day of the historic Test. Cook, who had already played a solid knock of 193 for Essex in the round of floodlit County Championship matches in June, batted for more than six hours on Thursday and rarely looked in any trouble as he scored fluently.