Twitter Reaction: Joe Root, Rory Burns hit centuries to steer England close to New Zealand's total

After two tough days at the Seddon Park, England came up with a brilliant batting display against New Zealand in the on-going clash in the two-match Test series. England’s skipper, Joe Root led his team from the front by smashing his 17th Test ton. It will be a sigh of relief for the players in England’s dressing room to see Root back in form.

After suffering two big blows in the last phase on Day 2, England was left struggling at a score 39 with two wickets. Coming on Day 3, they got off to a brilliant start with Joe Burns and Joe Root, who didn’t kneel down in front of a formidable Kiwi bowling unit. With a slow start in the morning, they started building a steady partnership.

Class batting show by Rory Burns and Joe Root on Day three at the Seddon Park

Rory Burns looked elegant with the bat and played some brilliant drives and cuts that left the spectators in awe. It was New Zealand’s misfield on the previous day that allowed the left-handed batsman with an opportunity to show his class. He scored his 6th Test half-century in 97 balls. Later on, he converted it into his 2nd ton. Unfortunately, his staggering innings came to an end after Jeet Raval brilliant throw ran him out, while he was running to complete a run.

In the meantime, Joe Root got settled on the other end. Earlier, in the series, he was struggling to pile runs for his side. But, at Seddon Park, he looked in the sublime form with the bat. He switched on his beast mode when he was at 95 runs against Neil Wagner and smashed three consecutive boundaries in an over to reach his 17th Test century. It was a much need knock for Root and it surely would have boosted his confidence. Also, it was his first ton for him in the last nine months.

After Burns, dismissal, no other batter could take hold of the other end. Ben Stokes (26) was also caught by Ross Taylor off Tim Southee after he got settled. England was at 269 runs with a loss of five wickets when the game was called off due to rain with around 16 overs washed out.

The good thing for the visitors is that Joe Root (114*) is still unbeaten. On Day 3, New Zeland bowlers are expected to come up with some game-changing performances. Otherwise, the England skipper might take the game away from them in Hamilton.

After watching Joe Root’s brilliance at the Seddon Park the netizens went busy hailing his superb batting in the 2nd Test.

Here is how Twitter reacted: